Courtlands School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school.

Courtlands School has improved well in all areas since the last inspection. Teaching has improved substantially so that it is now good and, as a result, the majority of pupils make better than expected progress. The school works exceptionally closely with parents to provide advice and support.

Parents have a high opinion of the school. One parent commented, 'When my child came here, he couldn't talk at all and was withdrawn and within weeks he was transformed.' The well-informed and committed governing body, together with senior leaders, has an accurate view of the school's strengths and areas for development.

Their self-evaluat...ion of the school is succinct and information made available on the school's website is both excellent and readable. Pupils' behaviour and safety are exemplary. Pupils feel safe and are confident learners and regularly work well together in activities.

The use of the outdoor environment to provide exciting and imaginative learning opportunities is innovative and is outstanding practice. Pupils benefit from a good selection of after-school clubs, such as sports and outdoor activities where pupils can cook food on campfires. These promote their personal and social development outstandingly well.

The school works closely with other professionals, such as therapists, so that pupils are receptive to learning. For example, occupational therapists provide equipment to enable pupils to improve their posture so that they can concentrate on their work better. The school provides a wide range of memorable experiences and opportunities for pupils to enrich their lives.

It is not yet an outstanding school because : The pace of learning slows when there is too much talking by teachers. The opportunities for pupils to use portable tablet technology to make learning more stimulating are not sufficiently developed. The use of signs and symbols, for those pupils who need them, are not used consistently across the school.

Marking and target setting in pupils' work books are inconsistent.

Information about this school

Courtlands is a school for primary-aged pupils with moderate learning difficulties and associated behaviour, emotional and social difficulties. All pupils have a statement of special educational needs.

The proportion of pupils for whom the school receives pupil premium funding (additional funding allocated by the government for certain groups of pupils, in this case those who are known to be eligible for free school meals, who are looked after by the local authority, or are children of service families) is above average. There are approximately twice as many boys than girls and most pupils are White British. The school does not use any alternative provision.

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