St Clare's School

Overview

St Clare’s School continues to be an outstanding school, where pupils thrive and gain qualifications in many subjects. The report highlights a culture of respect and dignity, with staff who have a "real belief in the pupils" and anticipate when they might struggle to regulate themselves.

Strengths

• The "wider curriculum offer is exceptional," including enterprise weeks, work experience, and opportunities for pupils to learn there are "no ‘glass ceilings’ for them."
• Teachers possess "expert knowledge" of both subjects and pupils, planning activities that "consistently meet the needs of the pupils."
• Leaders have prioritised reading, ensuring pupils "excel in learning to read, and communicating with others" through consistent phonics teaching.
• The curriculum for personal development is "particularly strong," featuring the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, a thriving forest school, and a therapy dog.
• Leaders engage well with staff regarding workload and well-being, working to make it "more manageable."

Areas to improve

• The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a "strong culture of safeguarding" where staff know how to spot risks, report concerns, and ensure pupils receive help swiftly.