THE new headteacher of a school for children with special educational needs has been praised by Ofsted inspectors for her “immediate impact”.

Saxon Wood School, in Rooksdown, was visited by the education watchdog on March 3 and 4, and a report published on May 18 graded it as “good” overall.

However, inspectors said they had some concerns that “one or more areas may be declining”.

The report said pupils are “very happy and well cared for in this kind and inclusive school”.

It added: “Relationships between everyone are strong and the atmosphere is calm and harmonious. The school has a particularly supportive, caring and nurturing ethos. This helps pupils to develop positive attitudes towards each other.”

Inspectors said the newly appointed headteacher, Jakki Alexander, had “challenged staff at all levels to be ambitious for the learning of all pupils”.

They added: “Some teachers and learning support assistants are working together better. They teach in partnership to ensure that plans identify what pupils should learn and when. In these classes, pupils are able to build and link their knowledge. Consequently, they can solve more challenging tasks. However, this approach is not yet consistent across the school. Not all teachers amend their plans quickly enough. This means that pupils often wait longer than they should for the next learning task.”

Inspectors found that too much time is spent on “repetitive group work” which delays pupils’ learning.

The report said: “Pupils are not stretched, even though they are ready to learn more. As a result, some pupils do not improve their skills or knowledge in a curriculum that is ambitious enough.”

Staff were said to be “proud to work at their school”.

Inspectors said that the new leadership team “appreciates their efforts” adding: “Leaders are considerate of staff workload. Staff feel that leaders now support them both professionally and personally and that the new headteacher listens to their views”.

Ofsted found safeguarding at the school, which has 37 pupils on its roll, was “effective”.

The report said: “There is a strong safeguarding culture in the school, with the new headteacher making this a priority. Systems, checked by governors, are in place to support pupils, so they are safe in school. Pupils know that there are trusted members of staff they can speak to.”

It added: “Leaders and governors know which aspects of the provision they need to improve. Through the recent changes to the leadership team, they have started to address the ambition of the curriculum for all pupils. These plans are at an early stage and have not yet had an impact. Leaders also know that they need to have a sharp focus on attendance. They have yet to carry out analysis of pupil absence to identify key issues and to take appropriate action.”

To improve, Saxon Wood has been asked to ensure the curriculum is better planned; deliver the curriculum consistently; and raise levels of attendance.

Headteacher Jakki Alexander said: "When I started in January , I identified areas for school improvement, which were then validated by Ofsted, when they inspected in March.

"Ofsted, quite rightly, commented on the care staff provide , as well as the exemplary behaviour of our children.

"This is an excellent foundation for our supportive staff and equally supportive governors, to build upon, when developing our curriculum, teaching and learning.

"Our current focus is to develop a curriculum that is bespoke, relevant and purposeful. 

"This curriculum will be driven by developing important communication and life skills. as well as providing academic and enrichment opportunities for all children to thrive.

"It is a privilege to work with our wonderful children. They are an inspiration to everyone in our school community and beyond."