Garston Manor School

Overview

Garston Manor School continues to be a good school, where pupils are happy, eager to achieve, and feel safe. The report highlights a caring ethos with high expectations, noting that staff meet pupils in a "friendly, caring way" and that behaviour is "calm and purposeful."

Strengths

• Pupils are "well supported to access the ambitious curriculum," which includes tailored 'pathways' for those with complex communication needs.
• Leaders use a "clear progression system" to monitor progress, helping teachers support pupils in applying knowledge to everyday life and gaining external accreditations.
• Reading and writing are prioritised through a "personalised phonics programme," with staff well trained to deliver support across the school.
• Pupils demonstrate strong personal development, being "polite, helpful and respectful," and are well prepared for adulthood through effective careers advice and planned transitions.
• Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff having "detailed knowledge of pupils’ needs" and clear processes for managing concerns.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should ensure curriculum planning is precise in all subjects, clearly setting out how essential knowledge is delivered and assessed to avoid inconsistencies.
• Leaders need to work with families to ensure communication home is "clear and proportionate," so parents feel fully included in their children’s progress.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with secure processes, appropriate staff training, and clear identification of concerns.