Millgate School

Overview

Millgate School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at its previous inspection, continuing to provide high-quality education for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The report highlights a united staff passion for helping pupils achieve their highest potential, resulting in strong working relationships and a positive school culture.

Strengths

• The school’s ‘pillars’ curriculum and ‘learning characters’ ensure pupils have high aspirations and are well prepared for their next steps, including college and careers.
• Teachers use precise checks and clear subject knowledge to engage pupils, allowing them to deepen their understanding of topics appropriate to their needs.
• A prioritised reading programme successfully engages previously disinterested pupils, with systematic phonics support helping many become more accurate and fluent readers.
• Staff provide expert pastoral support, helping pupils manage emotions and regulate behaviour, leading to marked improvements in attendance and resilience.
• Pupils benefit from a vast range of experiences, including volunteering, animal care, and visits that build cultural awareness and personal development.

Areas to improve

• The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with an open and positive culture that puts pupils’ interests first.