Thomas Bewick School

Overview

Thomas Bewick School continues to be a good school, providing high-quality care and support for pupils with autism spectrum disorder. The report highlights a nurturing environment where pupils are well-supported to develop independence, regulate their behaviour, and prepare for adulthood through a broad and ambitious curriculum.

Strengths

• Pupils are "nurtured" within a "thoughtfully designed" learning environment that reduces anxiety and helps them feel safe.
• The curriculum is "broad and ambitious," featuring "bespoke learning and therapeutic experiences" that support sensory needs and communication.
• Staff build "trusting relationships" with pupils, helping them to understand their emotions and regulate their behaviour effectively.
• Reading is a high priority, with staff promoting the "joy of reading" and using advice from speech and language therapists to develop communication skills.
• Post-16 students engage in practical experiences, such as working in the school’s café and growing vegetables, to prepare for future careers.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should ensure pupils develop a "thorough understanding of protected characteristics" so they are better prepared for life in modern Britain.
• Leaders must ensure all learning support assistants are trained equally well to provide "consistent and effective support" for pupils’ behaviour and learning.

Safeguarding

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