Penny Field School

Overview

Penny Field School is described as a “calm and nurturing place to learn” with “high expectations” for pupils. The inspection found that the school provides a “well-sequenced curriculum” tailored to individual needs, supported by “warm and caring relationships” between staff and pupils.

Strengths

• Pupils demonstrate “Outstanding” behaviour and attitudes, underpinned by “clear expectations and embedded routines”.
• Staff are “highly skilled in engaging pupils in their learning”, ensuring pupils achieve the expectations of their specific learning pathways.
• The school prioritises communication, providing effective aids so pupils are “eager to communicate” and share their understanding.
• Leaders successfully integrate “high quality therapies” and plan enrichment activities, such as community visits, to build confidence and independence.
• “Strong partnerships” with local organisations and health professionals enrich pupils’ experiences and support their development.

Areas to improve

• The school must establish a “consistent approach to the teaching of phonics” and provide necessary staff training, as current inconsistencies mean pupils “do not start their reading journey as effectively as they could”.

Safeguarding

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