The Village School

Overview

The Village School continues to be an outstanding school, providing a nurturing environment where pupils are "extremely happy and well cared for." Leaders have designed a "well-constructed and sequenced curriculum" that is highly ambitious yet bespoke to individual needs, ensuring pupils achieve well and feel "ready and excited for their next steps."

Strengths

• The curriculum is "flexible and bespoke," with leaders identifying key priorities for each pupil, from sight vocabulary to debating complex issues.
• Staff possess "highly developed" subject knowledge and expertise in supporting pupils with complex needs, working closely with therapeutic and health professionals.
• The reading curriculum is "ambitious, comprehensive and thoughtful," with staff trained to adapt phonics schemes with "fidelity and precision."
• Pupils are encouraged to be independent and curious, taking on leadership responsibilities and actively improving their community through charity and events.
• There is an "exceptionally calm and purposeful learning environment" where staff help pupils manage their emotions and behaviour effectively.

Areas to improve

The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, supported by a "highly trained team of safeguarding leads" and "robust record-keeping systems" that ensure at-risk pupils receive timely support.