Durants School

Overview

Durants School remains a ‘good’ school following this ungraded inspection, with evidence suggesting it could achieve an ‘outstanding’ grade if a full graded inspection were conducted. The report describes a ‘delightful’ environment where pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are ‘happy’ and ‘feel safe’. Leaders demonstrate a ‘clear ambition’ to prepare pupils for adult life through a well-designed curriculum that is ‘adapted to meet the needs of all pupils’.

Strengths

• The curriculum is ‘well designed and implemented’, teaching academic subjects alongside essential life skills such as public behaviour and health.
• Staff are ‘kind and patient’, providing ‘specialist support’ and ‘respectful’ assistance to help pupils manage emotions and behaviour effectively.
• There is a ‘sharp focus on teaching pupils to be able to regulate their emotions’ and communicate positively, resulting in ‘very little disruption to lessons’.
• Leaders are ‘restless for continual improvement’, ensuring staff feel ‘valued’ and that workload is carefully considered during changes.
• Pupils are ‘well prepared for the next stage of their life’, including through visits to workplaces and colleges for post-16 students.

Areas to improve

• The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are ‘effective’.