News & Events

Following our most recent Ofsted progress monitoring visit on 3^rd March 2026, Doucecroft School continues to focus firmly on its journey of improvement, building on the actions already underway and maintaining our strong commitment to learner safety, wellbeing and development.

The monitoring visit was carried out to assess the progress made since the previous inspections and to review how effectively the school’s action plan is being implemented. During the visit, inspectors recognised that, while further improvement is still required, important foundations are in place and positive change is beginning to emerge; particularly in relation to safeguarding, pupil wellbeing and curriculum development.

The inspection took place during a period of significant staffing change, including changes in senior leadership, which Ofsted acknowledged has had an impact on the pace at which improvements have been able to embed.

Key Actions Taken Since the Last Inspection

Since the previous monitoring visit, the school and Autism Anglia have remained fully focused on strengthening leadership capacity, stabilising staffing and continuing to improve the quality of education. Key actions include:

• Strengthening leadership and governance: A new Headteacher, Daniel Lawrence, has been appointed, providing stability and renewed focus. Leadership roles and responsibilities are being reviewed to ensure clearer accountability and shared ownership of improvement priorities.
• Curriculum development: The Senior Leadership Team have continued to refine the curriculum to ensure it reflects different learners’ developmental pathways and ages, including a rolling programme of topics that provides varied contexts for learning.
• Improving teaching practice: More whole-class teaching is now taking place to ensure key learning points are introduced clearly. Leaders are continuing to work with staff to embed consistent approaches to planning, teaching and assessment.
• Increased focus on reading: More learners are now reading regularly, with books available in classrooms and increased opportunities to read with staff.
• Continued prioritisation of wellbeing and safety: Safeguarding systems have been further strengthened, with more frequent safeguarding meetings to ensure robust oversight and timely action.
• Improvements to the school site: Significant investment has been made to improve the school grounds and facilities, enhancing safety and accessibility. This includes a new secure entry gate system, improved parking, upgraded ramps, and ongoing general maintenance, supporting a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

Ofsted‑Recognised Strengths

Inspectors highlighted a number of important strengths at Doucecroft School, including:

• Safeguarding: Learners are kept safe. Inspectors confirmed that safeguarding systems are thorough and that staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities clearly.
• Pupil wellbeing: The wellbeing of learners remains a clear priority. Staff know them well and use a wide range of strategies to support regulation, engagement and emotional wellbeing.
• Behaviour support: Learners generally behave well, and staff are skilled in supporting when they find things challenging, using sensory strategies, breaks and alternative activities.
• Health, safety and supervision: Learners are appropriately supervised at all times, and leaders place a strong emphasis on pupil safety, both within the school building and across the wider site.
• Learning environments: The consistent use of visual timetables helps learners understand routines and expectations, supporting a calm and predictable school day.

Continuing Areas for Development

As part of the monitoring visit, Ofsted also identified areas where further work is needed, which leaders had already recognised and are actively addressing. These include:

• Embedding consistency in teaching: While there are signs of improvement, teaching approaches are not yet consistent across all classes. Leaders are continuing to support staff to ensure learners are always taught the knowledge and skills they need before beginning activities.
• Developing curriculum delivery: Curriculum plans are being further refined to ensure that learning builds securely over time and that assessment information is used effectively to plan next steps.
• Leadership capacity and monitoring: With recent leadership changes, leaders are revisiting the school action plan to sharpen timelines, monitoring processes and accountability.
• Staffing stability: Staff turnover and absence have placed pressure on teams. This is a sector wide issue and recruitment remains a key priority, alongside supporting staff wellbeing and attendance.
• School environment: While there are no risks to learners, leaders are aware that some areas of the site require renewed attention to ensure standards are maintained over time.

Leadership Reflections

Daniel Lawrence, Doucecroft School Headteacher said:

“I am pleased how the inspection was conducted and the way in which our Inspector showed us understanding  both as a team and as individuals. The report is balanced and fair and demonstrates the progress we are making. 

I want to acknowledge the progress which had started prior to my arrival and express our continued commitment as a team continue to build on the work that was already being established.     

I am relishing the challenge of working with the staff body, pupils, parents and our local authority partners to further bring the improvements needed at this amazing school.

Given that we are in a monitoring period, we will be expecting a further monitoring inspection later this term or in the new academic year”.

James McQuiggan, CEO of Autism Anglia, added:

“The inspection rightly recognised the significant improvements already in place. We are confident in the direction of travel and clear about the remaining work ahead. The leadership team at Doucecroft is strong, experienced, and well equipped to deliver the agreed action plan, with further improvements expected over the coming weeks and months.

This work is fully supported by the wider charity, with the executive team and trustees providing clear oversight and challenge to ensure robust, consistent, and sustainable practice is firmly embedded moving forward.”