Merstone School

Overview

Merstone School is described as a "caring learning community" where pupils "thrive" and feel "safe, valued and able to communicate freely." The report highlights that leaders place pupils’ education, development and wellbeing "at the heart of all decisions," resulting in a "vibrant and happy school" with "highly positive attitudes" among students.

Strengths

• Pupils "achieve very well" because their education is shaped by "well-focused education, health and care plans" and "precisely targeted support."
• Staff are "highly skilled at supporting pupils to regulate their emotions," creating a "calm and happy environment" where disruption is "rare."
• The curriculum is "carefully ordered" and "firmly rooted in real life experiences," with staff demonstrating "high levels of subject knowledge."
• Early years provision offers a "joyful, nurturing environment" with "well-planned activities" that stimulate children's senses and communication.
• Personal development is "highly individualised," preparing pupils for adulthood through "rich opportunities" such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award and community visits.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should "work to share effective practice through the establishment and re-establishment of wider relationships with special and mainstream schools."

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" ensuring pupils are "made safer and feel safe."