A special needs school in North Somerset obtained a perfect Ofsted report as inspectors called the education “exceptional”. Baytree School, in Weston-super-Mare, was rated as ‘Outstanding’ in all six judged categories by inspectors in the September inspection, having previously been ‘Good’.
The school provides specialist education for pupils aged between three and 19 years old, with severe and/or profound and multiple learning difficulties. All pupils have an education, health and care (EHC) plan.
Inspectors said the education that pupils receive at Baytree School “is exceptional”. The report said: “The school’s ambitious sensory and subject-specific curriculums, EHC plan targets and dedicated staff team ensure no limit to pupils’ achievements.
“The ‘golden threads’ of communication and independence help pupils secure their voice and important life skills. Every moment in school provides pupils with meaningful opportunities to learn and triumph. Pupils thrive and ‘make the most of every day’.”
Inspectors also praised the behaviour of pupils and staff who treat each other with kindness and respect. Some pupils at the school cannot attend due to complex medical needs, however the outreach team works with these pupils in the hospital or at home. Parents and carers describe the relationship with the school as a partnership.
The school has a “holistic approach” to pupils’ development where opportunities for work experience and community-based activities are “frequent”. Pupils are “exceptionally well prepared” for the next stage of education and life outside the school.
The report said: “The school is relentless in its drive for pupils to flourish beyond Baytree School. Since the previous inspection, the school has refined pupils’ EHC plan short-term targets.
“Staff training, a shared understanding of leaders’ expectations and regular staff team meetings ensure that pupils’ targets are now precise. Education, intervention and therapy staff teams use their in-depth knowledge of pupils to consider what they can do to adapt each pupil’s bespoke curriculum and provision.
“Detailed observations and close working relationships with parents ensure that staff learn how each child communicates. This work begins before pupils join the school in ‘stay and play’ sessions. Right from the start, children in the early years are encouraged to listen and respond to their environment and other people.”
Pupils are able to learn to express themselves in a variety of ways, including facial expressions, electronic communication aids or spoken words. Baytree’s pre-phonics and early reading curriculum is well developed meaning pupils develop a firm foundation for reading.
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The school ensures that it develops pupils’ independence across all subject areas and the personalised learning experience means pupils are successful. Pupils are able to learn life skills in the school’s flat (such as bed-making, cooking and cleaning) and the immersion room allows pupils to respond to different situations which may at first be overwhelming.
Ofsted praised the personal, social and health education curriculum, calling it “remarkable”. The report added: “The school goes above and beyond to ensure pupils secure a deep knowledge of the wider world through rich developmental experiences. Pupils are shown how to use their leisure time constructively.
“They are encouraged to complete ambitious goals such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award. The school enables pupils to overcome any personal and social barriers that they might have.”
A second campus opened in Clevedon in February 2024 and inspectors said the school’s exceptional educational standard is replicated across both sites. Routines and expectations for learning and behaviour are embedded, so when behaviour changes, “staff understand this to be pupils communicating something important to them”.
The report said: “An effective careers programme starts in the early years, visitors from an extensive network of local businesses come to speak with pupils. From Year 8, pupils complete work experience placements and sixth-form students study for qualifications from a broad and balanced vocational curriculum.
“Leaders, including governors, have a detailed knowledge of the impact of the school’s work. Governors hold the school to the highest standards and expectations for every pupil’s progress.
“Leaders offer support and challenge to staff to ensure pupils and their families remain at the centre of every carefully planned decision. Staff are extremely proud to work at Baytree School.”
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