The Edith Borthwick School

Overview

The Edith Borthwick School is fulfilling the expected standard of education and care. Leaders provide calm, steady leadership that creates a supportive environment where pupils with severe learning difficulties feel safe and ready to learn. The school demonstrates a strong commitment to personalised learning and positive behaviour, though some aspects of strategic planning and monitoring require refinement.

Strengths

• A "calm and caring culture" supports positive behaviour, with staff modelling kindness and using clear strategies to help pupils feel settled.
• The curriculum is carefully personalised, prioritising communication and emotional management through "well-sequenced expectations" and tailored support.
• Strong partnerships with therapists and external professionals ensure medical and therapeutic needs are consistently met.
• Post-16 students receive clear careers guidance and move on to destinations that match their needs, such as specialist colleges.
• Pupils enjoy rich experiences, including extra-curricular activities and community involvement, which foster pride and independence.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should ensure teaching consistently builds on prior learning to maximise achievement, particularly for pupils struggling with independent writing.
• Part-time timetables need clearer goals and impact measures to support pupils’ prompt return to full-time education.
• Strategic planning and pupil premium monitoring require sharper success criteria to evaluate effectiveness and adapt approaches swiftly.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an open culture where concerns are actively identified and managed to ensure pupils feel safe.