North West Hospital School, Cheadle

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils attend this school because they are seriously ill and undergoing hospital treatment. The education that pupils receive forms an integral part of their recovery. It provides them with hope for the future. Many pupils told inspectors that their experience at this school contributes to improving their physical and mental health.

Pupils are welcomed into the school's safe and nurturing environment. Pupils build trusting relationships with their key adults. This helps them to regain their self-confidence.

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

Pupils join the school at different points of the year. Many have already missed a considerable portion of their education. The school uses a wide range of strategies to find out what pupils already know. Any special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) that pupils may have are identified quickly. Staff draw on a wealth of information about each pupil. They use this information to identify the most important learning for pupils. This flexible approach ensures that pupils, and students in the sixth form, benefit from an appropriate curriculum, regardless of how long they stay at the school.

Pupils who are likely to be in hospital for a longer time, or whose needs are more complex, build up to studying a broad and ambitious curriculum. This is well matched to their needs and to the key stage that they are in. At the start of their treatment, many pupils are too unwell to engage frequently with learning. Nevertheless, the school maintains its high expectations for these pupils. As their health begins to improve, so does their achievement. By the time that they leave hospital, many pupils have attained an impressive range of qualifications such as GCSEs, functional skills and A levels. They are well prepared for the next stage in their lives.

Quality of education, Behaviour & attitudes, Personal development, Leadership & management, Sixth form.

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