Old Farm School

Overview

Old Farm School is rated as ‘Good’ overall, with ‘Outstanding’ behaviour and attitudes. The report describes a school where pupils are “enthusiastic and engaged,” benefiting from a curriculum adapted to their individual needs and a “highly effective transition programme.” Leaders demonstrate a clear vision for supporting vulnerable young people, resulting in improved attendance and achievement.

Strengths

• Pupils display “extremely positive attitudes” and are “calm, respectful” despite many having histories of poor attendance or complex needs.
• The curriculum is well-adapted, with staff tailoring lessons to reflect what pupils “already know and can do,” helping them understand new learning quickly.
• Enrichment activities, including “photography workshops, visits to universities” and sports, make a “tangible difference” to pupils’ life experiences.
• The school has a “precise understanding” of pupils with special educational needs, providing swift and appropriate support.
• Safeguarding arrangements are “effective,” with staff who “know them well” ensuring pupils feel safe.

Areas to improve

• The school must ensure its strategic vision for personal development is fully embedded, as pupils’ understanding of “different faiths, cultures and the values that shape British society is not secure.”
• Staff require the “necessary expertise to implement” the personal development programme effectively to address misconceptions some pupils hold about people different from themselves.

Safeguarding

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