Langham Oaks

Overview

Langham Oaks is a special school for boys aged 10 to 16 with social, emotional and mental health needs. The report states that the school has improved significantly since its previous inspection, with staff helping pupils settle into a stable life and build confidence. The inspection awarded ‘Good’ judgements for the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

Strengths

• Staff take time to understand pupils’ complex backgrounds and special educational needs, helping them to “build pride and confidence in their own abilities.”
• The curriculum is adapted well around pupils’ needs, using “bespoke ‘pathways’” and “helpful building blocks” to support understanding and progress.
• High-quality pastoral support and therapy match pupils’ varied needs, giving them tools to “self-regulate their behaviour” and remain focused on learning.
• The personal, social, health and economic curriculum supports life skills, including cooking, risk awareness, and opportunities like sailing that prepare pupils for “life after Langham.”
• Behaviour routines provide high expectations, and the number of suspensions and serious incidents continues to reduce.

Areas to improve

• The school should ensure all staff implement behaviour strategies consistently, as a small number do not yet use de-escalation techniques effectively.
• The school should continue working with families and agencies to improve attendance for the small number of pupils who are still missing out on education.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”