Inspectors were at the school over three days in July and carried out lesson observations, obtained feedback from pupils and parents, scrutinised documents and spoke to staff.
Head teacher Ed Hall praised a remarkable staff team at Phoenix, “I feel lucky to be surrounded by such amazing staff. They have worked incredibly hard for this, and have all made contributions at the highest level.”
The school was judged to be outstanding in personal development, behaviour and welfare. The report stated, “The school’s work to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare is outstanding. The school is co-located in the hospital building. Pupils arrive as a result of risks to their safety due to their medical, social, emotional and mental health needs. Pupils are warmly welcomed into this caring school community. Trusting relationships are secured quickly because each pupil is valued as an individual and because staff are skilled in understanding pupils’ complex needs and behaviours.”
Inspectors were also impressed by the quality of teaching and learning “The quality of teaching is good overall, some is outstanding”, and praised the level of teachers planning, “teachers plan individual activities that address any identified gaps in pupils’ learning and then develop their skills and understanding further. Consequently, pupils achieve well from their different starting points.”
Ed went on to say, “work is already underway to make further improvements so that by the next inspection, we are outstanding in all areas.”