Hambling View Independent School, Bath

What it's like to be a pupil at Hambling View Independent School

Hambling View is a highly inclusive and welcoming place. Pupils join the school having had previous negative experiences of education. Many arrive with significant gaps in their learning having not been in full-time education for some time. From the very start, leaders and staff work hard to change pupils' views and rebuild trust. They take time to understand, and remove, the academic and social barriers that pupils face. As a result, pupils feel safe, attend school regularly and quickly develop a sense of belonging. Pupils respond well to the high expectations that leaders and staff have for their behaviour and conduct. Consequently, the atmosphere, both in and outside the classroom, is calm and purposeful. Pupils understand and follow the school rules well. Bullying is rare. Pupils know that staff would deal with it swiftly if it did occur. Pupils enjoy warm and supportive relationships with staff. They know staff care for them. Pupils trust staff to listen and provide them with the emotional support they need should any worries or concerns arise. Pupils achieve well across the curriculum given their low starting points. They develop positives attitudes to their learning. Pupils sustain their attention well when working independently. They become increasingly confident to share their learning with staff. Many develop the necessary skills, knowledge and qualifications they need to be well prepared for the next stage. Pupils play a full and active role in the life of the school. They enjoy their trips to museums and visits to local shops. Pupils talk with pride about their work in a forest school environment that helps them to develop important life skills, such as teamwork. They value their leadership roles as school councillors. Pupils articulate well why these roles are important as they provide everyone with an opportunity to share their opinions and improve their school.

What Ofsted says the school should do next

• • Leaders should ensure that the approaches staff use to check pupils' understanding of new knowledge is consistently effective in all subjects. • Leaders should ensure that pupils receive the support they need to improve their handwriting and transcription skills so that they can write fluently and accurately.

The school excels at creating a safe, supportive environment for vulnerable pupils with complex needs. Leaders demonstrate strong educational knowledge and ensure staff are highly trained to deliver teaching and therapies effectively. The school takes a personalised approach to each pupil's academic, social and emotional development, working closely with families and local authorities to meet individual needs.

Safeguarding is effective with clear oversight of all aspects, well-trained staff who understand their responsibilities, frequent relevant training, detailed record-keeping, and timely action with external agencies when pupils face risk of harm.

Forest school, recreational field use, physical education off site

Bus Stops