The Cedar School

Overview

The inspection confirms that The Cedar School continues to be a good school, characterised by a "very happy and positive school community" where strong relationships ensure everyone feels safe. Leaders and staff demonstrate a "strong shared commitment" to helping pupils achieve their potential, resulting in high levels of confidence and exceptional behaviour among students.

Strengths

• Pupils behave exceptionally well and are "active participants in their learning," supported by well-established routines and high expectations.
• The curriculum is effectively organised to meet diverse needs, with individual learning targets broken down into smaller steps to ensure progress.
• A ‘Targeted Support Team’ allows for the seamless integration of care, health, and therapy into the curriculum, promoting independence and personal agency.
• Reading is promoted creatively through adapted texts, such as symbol-supported versions of classic literature, ensuring all pupils can access storytelling.
• An extensive range of lunchtime clubs and community connections broadens pupils’ experiences and helps older pupils gain accreditations.

Areas to improve

• The school must fully implement its new assessment system to provide a clear overview of pupil progress across all subjects.
• Leaders need to broaden the range of work experience placements in the wider community to better prepare pupils for future employment.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."