ACE Tiverton Special School

Overview

ACE Tiverton Special School is a specialist academy for pupils with autism and linked social, emotional and mental health needs. The inspection found that the school provides a nurturing environment where pupils are warmly welcomed and receive significant pastoral support to overcome challenges. Leaders have high aspirations for pupils, focusing on preparing them for adulthood through a curriculum that includes qualifications and work-related learning.

Strengths

• Pupils benefit from a "nurturing environment" and "warm relationships" with staff, which helps them feel safe and build confidence.
• The school offers "great amenities," including a design and technology room, gym, and science laboratory, providing learning experiences similar to mainstream peers.
• There is a clear focus on preparing pupils for adulthood, with opportunities for residential trips, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and impartial careers guidance.
• Staff carefully consider education, health and care plans to ensure provision meets pupils’ complex learning, social, and emotional needs.
• Attendance continues to improve due to the school’s work with parents to promote good attendance.

Areas to improve

• The school must ensure curriculum components are consistently in place so pupils can "connect their knowledge more securely" across subjects.
• Assessment systems need to be established to rigorously check how well pupils remember taught knowledge, as current recall can be insecure.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."