Compass Community School Aylward Park

Compass Community School Aylward Park is an independent special school currently registered for pupils aged 11 to 17 with a capacity of 12. This was a material change inspection commissioned by the Department for Education to consider the school's application to add key stage 2 pupils and increase its maximum number to 48. The inspector found that the school is likely to meet the relevant independent school standards if the changes are implemented. No areas of concern were identified. Leadership and management were judged likely to meet the standards. Leaders have carefully considered the proposed changes, plan to grow gradually, and have appropriate expertise and quality assurance systems to maintain oversight. The curriculum is designed to be suitable for key stage 2, staff have primary and SEND experience, and assessment processes are intended to identify and address gaps in pupils' knowledge. Safeguarding arrangements are strong, with knowledgeable leaders, timely training and prompt action on concerns. The premises, health and safety, recruitment checks and accessibility arrangements were also found to be appropriate. The school currently operates at Crown Street, Leiston, and intends to admit up to 36 pupils at a new site at Blaxhall, with all key stage 2 pupils attending the new site. Overall, the inspection indicates the school is well prepared for the proposed expansion and age-range change, subject to DfE approval.

Strengths

• Leaders have appropriate knowledge and expertise to ensure the independent school standards are met.
• Clear quality assurance processes provide oversight at school, regional and national levels.
• Leaders have carefully planned the age-range change and gradual increase in pupil numbers.
• Curriculum is well designed to be suitable for key stage 2 pupils and includes a broad offer.
• Sufficient time is planned for reading, writing and mathematics, with PSHE appropriately included.
• Staff appointed have primary-age and SEND teaching experience.
• Assessment processes identify gaps in pupils' knowledge, including phonics, and inform adaptation.
• PSHE and social communication/therapy sessions support pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
• Safeguarding leaders are knowledgeable and ensure timely staff training.
• Staff raise concerns quickly and leaders take prompt, appropriate action, including external referrals.
• The safeguarding team has been expanded and staff trained to spot risks for younger pupils.
• Site checks and risk assessments are clear, and the site is well maintained.
• Fire safety, emergency lighting and evacuation procedures are appropriate.
• Medical, toilet, washing, changing and shower facilities are suitable and accessible.
• New site has well-resourced classrooms, communal dining, therapy/sensory spaces and inviting outdoor areas.
• Recruitment checks are completed before staff start, recorded accurately and routinely monitored.
• Accessibility plan meets the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.
• Additional staff have been recruited to maintain staff-to-pupil ratios if changes are approved.

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

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What is Compass Community School Aylward Park's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Compass Community School Aylward Park is Good, from an inspection in June 2026.

When was Compass Community School Aylward Park last inspected by Ofsted?

Compass Community School Aylward Park was last inspected in June 2026.

How many pupils does Compass Community School Aylward Park have?

Compass Community School Aylward Park has 9 pupils on roll.

What age range does Compass Community School Aylward Park cover?

Compass Community School Aylward Park for pupils aged 7 to 17.

Where is Compass Community School Aylward Park?

Compass Community School Aylward Park is at Crown Street, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4AX.