Paces School for Conductive Education

Overview

Paces School for Conductive Education continues to be a good school, providing specialist education for pupils with physical disabilities and learning difficulties. The inspection confirms that the school’s inclusive approach ensures there are "no barriers to pupils’ achievements," with dedicated staff meeting pupils' complex needs effectively. Leaders have established an "ambitious vision" to prepare pupils for adulthood and independence, supported by a welcoming environment in the school’s new building.

Strengths

• Staff are "dedicated, highly skilled" and know pupils well, empowering them to communicate their needs and feelings.
• The curriculum is "coherently planned" from early years to post-16, balancing physical development, communication, and academic learning.
• Pupils make significant progress towards independence, with "exemplary" behaviour and positive attitudes to learning.
• Enrichment activities, such as rock climbing and drama, are "exceptionally well thought out" to ensure full participation.
• Parents and carers are "overwhelmingly positive," describing the school as an "amazing place" that fosters a strong community.

Areas to improve

• The recently introduced phonics scheme has "inconsistencies in the way that the programme is being taught"; the school must embed it to ensure consistent delivery.
• Subject leaders have not yet checked the impact of their curriculum areas; the school must ensure they have time to monitor implementation and identify training needs.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."