Pentland Field School

Overview

Pentland Field School continues to be a good school, described as a "happy, friendly school where each and every pupil is valued and cared for." Leaders have worked effectively to maintain high-quality education as the school has grown, ensuring pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive tailored support to flourish.

Strengths

• Pupils build "strong and trusting relationships with staff," helping them feel safe and secure while their views are listened to.
• The curriculum is "designed effectively to meet pupils’ different needs," with a strong emphasis on communication, interaction, and life skills such as using public transport.
• Staff are "ambitious for all pupils," setting precise targets and using expertise to adjust teaching methods, including pictures and signing, to ensure participation.
• The school focuses heavily on preparing pupils for adulthood, offering personalised learning plans, work experience, and a "careers programme... woven skilfully through the curriculum."
• Staff well-being is prioritised, with revised assessment policies and access to onsite professional support, including a "creative therapy" team.

Areas to improve

• In a few subjects, approaches for checking what pupils know and remember are still being finalised, meaning staff lack a clear picture of learning retention.
• Occasionally, teachers choose activities or present tasks in ways that do not help pupils learn the intended curriculum as well as they might, sometimes causing confusion.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.