Cornfield School, Littlehampton

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Leaders, governors and committee members have secured substantial and sustained improvements in the quality of teaching, learning and assessment since the previous inspection.

Effective staff teamwork and a shared commitment to helping pupils do their best has ensured continued improvement during a period of change. The headteacher provides outstanding leadership for the school. She is well supported by senior and middle leaders.

Teachers use their confident subject knowledge effectively to plan good-quality learning, taking careful account of pupils' needs. Pupils make rapid progress in a wide range of subjects, including art, science, a...nd information and communication technology. Teaching assistants make a valuable and effective contribution to pupils' development and learning.

They work positively with teachers and are responsive to pupils' needs. Improvements in the teaching of reading have had a dramatic effect on pupils' attitudes to learning and their enjoyment of books. Pupils make substantially better progress in reading than at the time of the previous inspection.

Strong relationships are key to the school's success in securing a positive, purposeful learning atmosphere. Pupils feel safe, secure and valued. They behave well.

Governors and committee members have a good understanding of the school's work. They work very well with leaders across the federation. They make good use of resources and ensure the school continues to improve.

The school's focus on developing pupils' personal and social skills makes a significant contribution to pupils' achievement and well-being. Pupils in all key stages are well prepared for the next stage in their education and for the world of work. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Pupils do not make sufficiently fast progress in writing.

Pupils do not achieve as well as they might in mathematics. They have too few opportunities to practise numeracy skills in subjects other than mathematics.

Information about this school

Cornfield School is a special school for pupils with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties.

All pupils attending Cornfield School have a statement of educational needs or an education, health and care plan. Most have additional needs, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autistic spectrum condition (ASC). The school is federated with two local special schools.

The governing body has an overview of all three schools in the federation, while the management committee specifically oversees Cornfield School's work. The school expanded in 2015 to admit pupils into Years 5 and 6. Currently, all the pupils are boys.

Most are White British. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is below the national average. The school has high levels of mobility.

Pupils join the school at different times during their education. The proportion of pupils supported by the pupil premium is well above that found in most schools. The pupil premium is additional government funding to support those pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and children looked after.

The school provides opportunities for pupils to study vocational courses and to complete work experience in a range of businesses. The school meets the requirements on the publication of specified information on its website. The federation employs an independent school improvement partner.