Ofsted found a school ‘outstanding’ in all areas in a glowing report that heaped praise on its “exceptional care”.

Breakspeare School, in Gallows Hill Lane, Abbots Langley, was visited by inspectors earlier this month before the perfect report with all top ratings was published this morning (October 24).

It comes after Ofsted decided a full inspection was warranted following a shorter visit to the special school, which was also judged to be ‘outstanding’ at its previous full inspection in February 2013, last year.

It has 139 pupils with severe learning difficulties on its roll having recently expanded in anticipation of moving into a new site in Croxley Green starting September 2026.

It does serve nursery and reception-age children, but at the time of the inspection Ofsted ruled that there were not enough children enrolled in early years to justify a separate judgment grade and so it was listed as ‘insufficient evidence’ in the report.

The report said: “The school is calm and purposeful. Leaders recruit and train staff who understand the challenges pupils face.

“Staff guide pupils to become independent and respectful individuals. Staff know when to push pupils out of their comfort zone.”

CGI showing how a new site in Croxley Green would look. The planning meeting to decide whether the building work can go ahead was in progress as the report was published.CGI showing how a new site in Croxley Green would look. The planning meeting to decide whether the building work can go ahead was in progress as the report was published. (Image: Hertfordshire County Council/Holmes Miller) During the visit, Ofsted held meetings with leaders and carried out ‘deep dives’ into areas including communication, maths, and personal, social, and health education.

The 'deep dives' involved discussions about the curriculum, visiting sample lessons, as well as speaking to teachers and pupils. The school’s records and documentation were also closely examined, alongside 39 staff survey responses and 18 parents’ views.

Safeguarding arrangements were found to be effective.

“Pupils receive exceptional care,” the report added. “They trust that any discomfort or unease will be swiftly spotted and solved.

“This is because pupils’ assigned staff are deeply attuned to their wants and needs. This safeguards pupils’ dignity and ensures a nurturing, secure environment.”

Other areas singled out for praise included how Breakspeare helps kids get out in the community to develop their independence, sixth form provision, “evidence-based” approaches to teaching, and its careers programme.

Students were lauded for the empathy they showed towards each other, the responsibility and respect they develop through caring for animals, and the “purposeful daily learning” shown by workbooks the inspectors looked at.

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