On Track Education Mildenhall, Mildenhall

What it's like to be a pupil at On Track Education Mildenhall

Pupils feel safe and thrive at this school because staff know them and understand their needs well. As a result, pupils feel a strong sense of belonging and are increasingly able to participate confidently in all aspects of school life. Each morning, when pupils arrive, often from long taxi journeys, they are welcomed warmly by adults. Pupils settle into school well due to the predictable routines and effective personalised support in place for them. Pupils know whom to talk to if they are worried and are confident that they will be helped. Bullying is rare in the school. Any instances of bullying or discriminatory behaviour are dealt with promptly and effectively. Pupils behave well. Classrooms are calm and purposeful spaces. This reflects the highly effective relationships and consistent expectations staff establish. Due to the robust support in place, pupils quickly learn how to participate and contribute positively. The school's well-matched therapeutic approach helps pupils to develop the emotional readiness they need to learn. Pupils enjoy their learning. They talk positively about practical subjects such as cookery and construction. Pupils also value the support they receive from adults in the school. They benefit from the wide range of broader experiences on offer, including music, drumming, fishing, golf, photography and equine therapy. These opportunities help pupils to discover new interests and talents. Pupils achieve well from often low starting points. Checks when pupils arrive, as well as detailed reviews of each pupil's education, health and care plans, ensure barriers to success are identified quickly. Highly effective support is put in place by well-trained staff to meet the complex social, emotional and mental health needs pupils have. Pupils gain a wide range of accreditations, including GCSEs, BTECs, and ASDAN and AQA awards. Many pupils successfully move on to further education, training or positions of work.

What Ofsted says the school should do next

• Leaders should further strengthen the consistency with which staff address pupils' basic knowledge, especially in literacy, so that all pupils build securely on what they already know and are increasingly well prepared to achieve highly across the curriculum.
• Leaders should continue to refine the precision of their monitoring and analysis, so that they draw consistently on clear insights to inform decision‑making and accelerate improvement across the school.

This school excels at understanding what each pupil needs and providing tailored support that helps them thrive. Staff build trusting relationships that make pupils feel secure and confident to learn. The school's focus on preparing pupils for independence and adult life, with extensive careers guidance and work experience, means pupils leave ready for their next steps.

Safeguarding standards are met - leaders have established an open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, concerns are actively identified and managed, and pupils feel safe.

Careers programme, work-based experience placements, life skills teaching, enrichment activities tailored to pupil interests and talents

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