Broomfield South SILC

Overview

Broomfield South SILC continues to be a good school, providing education for pupils aged 2 to 19 with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The report highlights that pupils are happy, feel safe, and benefit from strong relationships with staff who understand their specific needs. Leaders maintain high aspirations, focusing on developing pupils’ independence through a curriculum designed to prepare them for life in modern Britain.

Strengths

• Pupils are described as happy and kind, with staff helping them express emotions so they “feel safe and behave well.”
• The curriculum is rich and tailored, with leaders setting out “exact knowledge pupils will learn” to build on existing skills, particularly in mathematics and real-life applications.
• There is a clear, individualised pathway for reading, supported by training from speech and language therapists to help staff use language effectively.
• Older students access vocational courses and accreditation awards, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and engage in meaningful volunteering.
• Staff are proud to work at the school, noting that leaders are “mindful of their workload and well-being.”

Areas to improve

• Some staff do not correctly enunciate letter sounds when teaching reading, meaning some pupils are learning incorrect sounds; leaders need to provide training to ensure phonics is delivered effectively.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with well-trained designated leads who are “champions” offering advice, and leaders who are “swift to act” on concerns and meticulous in reviewing records.