Fort Royal

Overview

Fort Royal is a specialist school where leaders provide an environment in which pupils can "play, learn, laugh and succeed." The report describes a "nurturing, highly supportive culture" where staff know pupils extremely well, resulting in high attendance and a "uniquely calm and positive atmosphere."

Strengths

• Attendance is "very favourable" compared to national figures, with leaders working effectively with families to support pupils with medical needs.
• Staff use resources like "sensory ladders" to anticipate anxiety, helping pupils settle quickly and focus on learning.
• The early years curriculum is engaging, with staff skilled at developing communication through symbols, signing, and sensory experiences.
• Inclusion is strong; EHC plans are reviewed immediately and displayed in classrooms, ensuring pupils receive "the right help at the right time."
• Personal development is woven through the curriculum, helping pupils manage emotions and understand safety, including online risks.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should support staff to consistently use the school’s agreed method of communicating through signing, as current inconsistency impacts some pupils’ ability to access the curriculum.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.