Meadowfield School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. From the Nursery to the sixth form, pupils develop a joy of learning at Meadowfield School. The inspirational Principal has high expectations of everyone.

She is very well supported by strong leaders and managers including the governing body. As a result of outstanding leadership and management, many areas have improved since the previous inspection including the sixth form, teaching and achievement. As they move through the school, pupils grow in maturity and confidence.

By the time they leave, they are exceptionally well prepared for their next stage. In the Early Years Foundation Stage, teachers use detailed assessments to pro...vide activities that are expertly matched to each child's needs. The sixth form offers a broad range of relevant subjects.

Almost all students now gain external qualifications before moving on to college or alternative adult provision. Across the school, pupils have a wide range of different needs. Despite this, most pupils make outstanding progress over time from their starting points in all areas of learning and personal development.

Pupils have extremely positive attitudes because : they feel safe and trust adults. As one pupil said, 'we are like a close family here'. The whole community is happy and supportive.

Teachers know the pupils so well that they plan daily individual small steps. Together with teaching assistants, they create a calm and hard working environment. Almost all pupils behave exceptionally well.

Adults are exemplary role models. They are consistently calm and reassuring. This is especially effective for pupils who have autistic spectrum disorders.

Teachers give pupils very effective feedback during lessons and in marking. However, they do not all consistently give pupils opportunities to improve their work.

Information about this school

Meadowfield is a community special school for pupils aged four to 19, who have profound, severe and complex needs.

These include profound and multiple learning difficulties, severe learning difficulties and autistic spectrum disorders. All pupils have a statement of special educational needs. There are more boys than girls.

Most pupils are White British. The proportion of pupils who are known to be eligible for pupil premium (additional funding for those known to be eligible for free school meals and those in care) is above average. The school has Nursery provision on site, which offers observation and assessment for up to 18 children who are dual registered with mainstream nurseries.

These children attend two or three sessions a week. Children attend full time in the Reception class. Forty four students aged 16 to 19 attend the sixth form.

Some attend courses part time at Canterbury College and MidKent College. The school manages and provides an outreach specialist teaching and learning service for the local authority to 60 schools in the Swale area. This includes supporting teachers in other schools.

A comprehensive training programme is also offered to teachers, covering many aspects related to special education. Meadowfield has gained the Leading Parent Partnership Award. The school is working towards becoming part of a Co-operativeTrust with six other special schools in the area.

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