Staff at Cornfields put the school’s motto, ‘Improving life chances’, into practice superbly. Pupils work hard in a calm and friendly environment. They achieve this because staff understand and address their needs exceptionally well. Adults make sure that each pupil gains the knowledge they need to succeed academically. Alongside this, adults teach pupils the personal, social and communication skills that will help them to succeed in the wider world. Pupils who join the school typically have severe anxiety and often have troubled backgrounds. Many have previously been excluded or missed long periods of their education. Cornfields gives everyone a fresh start. Staff identify pupils’ specific needs. Their calm and patient approach helps pupils to minimise their anxieties and manage their behaviours. Consequently, pupils’ attendance improves significantly. Pupils see school as a safe, secure place. They enjoy school and attend very regularly. Pupils develop positive, respectful relationships with adults and form friendships with each other. These are huge achievements. Bullying behaviour is not tolerated. One parent reflected the views of many when they said, ‘My child is now focused on education and has made amazing progress. Seeing my child happy whilst attending school is a wonderful sight.’ What does the school do well and what does it need to do better? The school has a highly nurturing ethos which focuses on listening to pupils to identify their needs. Staff identify pupils’ starting points expertly. They create learning programmes that are precisely matched to meet pupils’ academic, social and emotional needs. Each pupil’s curriculum is constantly checked and adapted to ensure that they are benefiting fully from their time in school. This personalised approach gives pupils the confidence that this is the right school for them. Those who have previously struggled to attend school for more than a few minutes at a time soon attend for full days and weeks. Pupils who used to lose control now do so rarely. Several parents told inspectors that this is life changing for their children. One said, ‘My son is so much happier since starting here.’ Another said, ‘My daughter feels understood.’ All pupils who attend Cornfields are taught a range of subjects. Subject plans set out clearly what pupils need to know. Teachers check regularly what pupils have learned and any information pupils are not quite sure of or have forgotten. ‘Progress and engagement guides’, known as ‘PEGs’, spend extra time with pupils who need extra help. They break down the learning into manageable parts, making it memorable for pupils. This constant focus on ensuring that pupils understand and learn what they are taught is an exceptionally positive feature of the school. Pupils appreciate the extra time they have to embed their knowledge. Inspection report: Cornfields School 15 to 17 March 2022 2 Teachers prioritise teaching pupils to read well. Sometimes pupils cannot read when they join the school. These pupils have regular intensive phonics sessions using an age-appropriate scheme designed to support the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Reading sessions boost pupils’ knowledge of different phonics sounds. Teachers are well trained in teaching reading. All pupils practise reading aloud regularly so that they gain confidence and become fluent readers. Adults ask skilful questions to make sure that pupils’ understanding of what they read improves. Consequently, pupils’ reading develops very well. Leaders focus strongly on developing pupils’ social and communication skills. Lessons include opportunities for pupils to listen to others and to learn to express their opinions. For example, class councils decide on charity events and discuss issues in the news. Trips and visits to local attractions and shops build pupils’ confidence in the local community. Leaders make sure that pupils learn how to look after themselves as they get older. For example, all pupils learn first aid. Those that need it also follow courses in personal hygiene and how to tidy their bedrooms. Where possible, leaders find accreditation for such learning. Pupils are proud of the certificates they get because it helps them to see the progress they are making, and they know it will help future employers know what they are capable of. Pupils at Cornfields are well prepared for their future lives. In addition to typical academic subjects like science and humanities, pupils undertake practical projects based on their interests. One pupil proudly told an inspector about the mathematical formula he used when deciding how to mix up concrete for laying foundations to an outdoor classroom he helped to build. Older pupils find work-experience placements in the local community where they practise independent skills such as getting to work on time and talking to customers. The chair of the proprietor, who is also the headteacher, ensures that there is effective strategic oversight of the school. The local governing body and strategic governing body support and challenge leaders very effectively. Staff feel very well supported by leaders. They appreciate the daily debriefs where they can share any concerns. Leaders monitor staff’s work regularly to make sure that the curriculum is being taught as intended for each pupil. Leaders’ attention to detail helps to ensure that pupils who attend Cornfields are successful when they leave.