Paddock School

Overview

Paddock School continues to be an outstanding school where pupils thrive and enjoy their learning. Leaders and staff hold high expectations, understanding pupils’ complex needs exceptionally well to cater for each pupil individually. The school places a strong emphasis on preparing pupils for life beyond the school through developing independence and communication skills.

Strengths

• Pupils are safe, behave very well, and respond positively to clear routines and individualised communication strategies.
• Leaders have designed an ambitious, individualised curriculum that matches each pupil’s needs, with a strong focus on communication, reading, and independence.
• Teachers are skilled and knowledgeable, planning precise steps and personalised tasks, such as using the school café and allotment, to help pupils make links to the wider world.
• Staff support pupils exceptionally well to develop independence, confidence, and emotional regulation, including through consistent approaches to understanding feelings.
• Being an inclusive school runs through the heart of leadership, with staff feeling supported, valued, and enjoying working at the school.

Areas to improve

• The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving regular training and promptly identifying concerns and risks to ensure pupils are well cared for.