New Ways School

Overview

New Ways School provides an inclusive environment where pupils with special educational needs and disabilities feel they belong and are safe. While achievement, attendance, behaviour, and personal development are judged to be at an 'Expected standard', the report identifies that independent school standards for the quality of education and leadership are not met due to inconsistencies in assessment and teaching planning.

Strengths

• Pupils achieve remarkably well given previous challenges, with personalised curricula ensuring they are prepared for ambitious next steps in education or work.
• Attendance shows an improving trend as staff work relentlessly to overcome barriers, responding swiftly to absences with support plans.
• Behaviour is a strength, with pupils behaving well, listening carefully, and engaging in sociable, harmonious breaktimes.
• The school is highly inclusive, providing bespoke support and warm staff relationships that help pupils understand their own needs and build confidence.
• Personal development is comprehensive, fostering resilience, cultural awareness, and wellbeing through diverse activities and effective pastoral care.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure an effectively implemented assessment system exists in all subjects so teachers have the information needed to plan effective teaching.
• Staff, including support staff, need the skills and information to provide precise support, addressing inconsistencies in curriculum delivery caused by weaknesses in assessment.
• Leaders and the proprietorial body must ensure the school meets all independent school standards, particularly regarding the framework for regularly assessing pupils' work.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an open culture where concerns are actively identified, acted upon, and managed to ensure pupils feel safe.