Avocet House, Heckingham

What is it like to attend this school?

Avocet House is not just a school. It is a home and a family that transforms lives. Pupils join the school having suffered significant trauma and negative experiences of education. They quickly learn that the adults in the school and care home share the highest aspiration for every pupil. The school constructs individualised learning programmes that engage pupils' interests. Expert teachers provide learning experiences that reignite pupils' enthusiasm for learning. Pupils respond to the renewed belief that adults have in them. They work hard and, generally, learn well.

Pupils behave well. They understand the high expectations that adults have. They benefit from the consistency of approach from all adults. They are polite and respectful. Pupils develop deep and meaningful friendships. They build positive and trusting relationships with staff. They are proud of their school.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school's curriculum is rooted in the proprietor's vision. Every pupil accesses a learning programme with 'no limits'. The school carefully identifies pupils' starting points. Ambitious end goals are set. This is used to define the key knowledge pupils need in order to achieve these goals.

The school has set out the logical order that pupils should learn important information. This helps pupils use what they already know when learning new content. To ensure pupils can successfully access the full curriculum, the school has focused on ensuring that pupils have a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy. These areas are well established and pupils' learning is strong. However, this means pupils' opportunity to access the wider curriculum has been limited. Although the school has planned the full curriculum entitlement, pupils' learning in some subjects is less secure.

Behaviour & attitudes, Personal development.

Quality of education, Leadership & management.

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