Danesgate Community, York

What it's like to be a pupil at Danesgate Community

Staff know pupils well. Before pupils join the school, staff speak with their parents and carers to understand pupils' needs and interests. Leaders use this information to determine the individual support that pupils require, including each pupil's class and keyworker. As a result, pupils settle quickly at the school. They work in small groups with adults they trust and this helps them feel safe. Pupils enjoy calm classrooms. Staff use well-established routines that support pupils' positive behaviour and attitudes. Pupils help to write the rules for their own class. Pupils understand and follow these class rules. When a pupil becomes upset, staff will help the pupil to calm down and return to learning. Staff manage pupils' behaviour well. Pupils attend school regularly. It is heart-warming to see pupils who have barriers to learning engaging fully in school life. Pupils work towards individual learning and achievement goals. Some pupils work towards GCSEs and vocational qualifications. Other pupils focus on skills for adult life, such as cooking, managing money and travelling by bus. In catering and construction, older pupils talk with pride about their work. They name ingredients, tools, and safety rules with confidence. Pupils who face barriers to learning receive appropriate support from leaders. Staff tailor their help to meet pupils' needs. Staff also work closely with social workers and other services which help pupils get the right support quickly and contributes to pupils' happiness. Pupils know how to stay safe online and in the community. Police and youth justice staff teach pupils about local risks, such as exploitation. Pupils develop their individual talents: some take extra catering lessons and others undertake training to become a mechanic. The school celebrates pupils' achievements beyond the classroom. Staff instil a belief in pupils that success is possible for everyone. The school's links with employers and colleges help pupils to plan their next steps in education, training and employment.

What Ofsted says the school should do next

• Leaders should continue to check that the diligent plans in place, to help pupils fulfil their aspirations and ensure they are ready for adulthood, are having the desired impact on pupils.
• Leaders should focus on ensuring the English curriculum is fully embedded and taught as intended, to further enhance pupils' progress in English and empower them to access all areas of the curriculum fully.
• The school should build further on the bespoke, well-informed, approach it has to inclusion such as sharing the effective practices it uses with others in the education sector.

Danesgate Community excels at understanding each child as an individual and tailoring learning to their specific needs. Staff build strong, trusting relationships with pupils and families, helping even those with significant barriers to learning engage fully in school life. The school prepares pupils exceptionally well for adult life through both academic qualifications and practical life skills.

Safeguarding standards are met - leaders have established an open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and all legal requirements are fulfilled, keeping pupils safe.

Theatre visits, London trips, community learning in York, catering lessons, mechanic training, extra curriculum enrichment activities

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