The Beacon Folkestone

Overview

The Beacon Folkestone continues to be an outstanding school, where pupils are "exceptionally well cared for and supported." Staff possess a "deep understanding" of each child’s special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that every pupil’s curriculum is planned "extremely carefully" to enable them to access learning and thrive.

Strengths

• Pupils achieve "exceptionally well" because staff are expert in supporting them, with curricula underpinned by education, health and care plans to ensure precise progress.
• The school has introduced a "very clear phonics programme" with trained staff, helping pupils become "increasingly confident and fluent readers" or benefit from sensory storytelling.
• Older pupils are taught by subject specialists who use "small steps of learning" and precise modelling to develop knowledge and understanding.
• There is "excellent support" for social, emotional and mental health, alongside a "very clear careers programme" that prepares pupils for employment and independent living.
• Leaders have taken "effective action" to address staff workload and well-being, ensuring staff have the expertise needed for the pupil population’s complexity.

Areas to improve

• The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.