Compass Community Cledford Park

Compass Community Cledford Park is an independent special school for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs; all pupils have an education, health and care plan. At its May 2026 inspection, all evaluated areas were judged to meet the expected standard, safeguarding standards were met, and every independent school standard was met. Pupils typically arrive with significant gaps in education and often very low prior attendance, but most begin to re-engage quickly in a calm, therapeutic and supportive setting. Strengths include strong, caring relationships, typically calm and respectful behaviour, significant improvements in attendance, and a personalised curriculum that helps pupils make secure progress from their starting points, especially in early reading and mathematics. Inclusion is a clear strength, with tailored provision, effective use of external specialists, and detailed planning for pupils joining at different points. Leadership and governance are effective, with a clear values-led vision and strong proprietor oversight; personal development, pastoral care and careers-related learning are also well developed. However, the school is not yet consistently strong across the curriculum. In some subjects, learning does not build securely enough on pupils' prior knowledge, and teachers do not always check understanding carefully enough to address gaps. Assessment strategies are not yet used consistently accurately to identify gaps, and the vocational curriculum needs further development so pupils can access a wider range of pathways. Leaders recognise these priorities and are taking appropriate action, so the school is well placed to sustain further improvement.

Strengths

• Pupils quickly re-engage with learning in a calm and supportive environment.
• Attendance improves significantly for most pupils from very low starting points.
• Pupils' behaviour is typically calm and respectful, and disruption is rare.
• Staff build strong, caring relationships that help pupils feel safe and understood.
• The curriculum is broad and personalised to pupils' social, emotional and mental health needs.
• Inclusion is strong, with tailored provision and effective use of external specialists.
• Pupils make secure progress from their starting points, particularly in early reading and mathematics.
• Leaders and the proprietor provide clear, values-led direction and effective oversight.
• Personal development, pastoral care and enrichment opportunities are well developed.
• Pupils benefit from meaningful careers guidance, work experience and vocational activities.
• Safeguarding standards are met and all independent school standards are met.

Areas for Improvement

• In some subjects, pupils do not build effectively enough on prior learning.
• Teachers do not always check pupils' understanding carefully enough to ensure gaps are addressed.
• Assessment strategies are not used consistently accurately to identify gaps in pupils' knowledge.
• The vocational curriculum is not yet broad enough to offer pupils a wide range of pathways.

In 2025–26, 0.0% of pupils at Compass Community Cledford Park were on SEN support (nationally 18.4%) and 100.0% had an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 7.9%).

Source: Department for Education, Special educational needs in England (the 2025–26 school census). SEN support is extra help in school without an EHC plan. National figures are for all state-funded independent school schools. Counts are as published, with small numbers not hidden.

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

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What is Compass Community Cledford Park's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Compass Community Cledford Park is Expected standard, from an inspection in June 2026.

When was Compass Community Cledford Park last inspected by Ofsted?

Compass Community Cledford Park was last inspected in June 2026.

How many pupils does Compass Community Cledford Park have?

Compass Community Cledford Park has 25 pupils on roll.

What age range does Compass Community Cledford Park cover?

Compass Community Cledford Park for pupils aged 7 to 17.

Where is Compass Community Cledford Park?

Compass Community Cledford Park is at Cledford House, Cledford Lane, Middlewich, Cheshire, CW10 0JN.