Oakbridge Special Education

Overview

Oakbridge Special Education is an independent specialist college where learners with complex needs, including autism, "flourish in the calm and supportive environment." The report states that the quality of education, behaviour, and leadership are all "Good," though personal development "Requires improvement." Most learners make sound progress towards their education health and care plan goals and enjoy purposeful work experiences in the community.

Strengths

• Learners "enjoy being at the college very much" and demonstrate positive attitudes, high attendance, and the ability to regulate their behaviour when anxious.
• Staff effectively meet individual needs, such as providing protective equipment for sensory requirements, and use clear teaching strategies that help learners grasp new skills.
• Leaders have forged strong partnerships with local organisations, offering learners valuable work experiences that build confidence and prepare them for adulthood.
• Parents and carers "speak highly of the support and teaching," noting increased learner confidence and participation in family life.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must plan a curriculum to teach learners about keeping themselves and others safe from the dangers of extremism and radicalisation.
• Leaders must ensure staff teach learners a broader and more detailed understanding of healthy adult relationships, as current provision lacks depth.
• Leaders should train teachers to identify specific knowledge, skills, and behaviours learners will develop beyond their education health and care plan outcomes.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective," noting that staff are suitably trained, concerns are reported promptly, and learners feel safe and happy.