Rachel Madocks School

Overview

Rachel Madocks School continues to be a good school, described as a place for "safe and joyful learning" where all pupils follow an appropriate curriculum. The inspection confirms that staff are well-trained and care deeply about meeting pupils’ individual special educational needs and disabilities.

Strengths

• The curriculum is closely matched to each pupil’s needs, with staff using extensive checks to build learning "step by step" towards lifelong success.
• Communication is central to the school’s approach, with pupils developing skills effectively through symbols, electronic devices, and stories.
• Pupils’ behaviour is excellent, with staff skilfully recognising behaviour as a form of communication and using personalised strategies to help pupils stay calm.
• Leaders have given significant attention to mental health and well-being, ensuring the whole school community has returned to positive routines.
• Governors provide active challenge and support, playing a key role in ensuring leaders receive the constructive support needed to improve education quality.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must link the academic curriculum with personal development opportunities, as they are not yet closely aligned, meaning pupils do not develop some learning as quickly as they could.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a strong culture where staff are quick to act, know their pupils exceptionally well, and are alert to additional risks.