Glenveagh Special School

Overview

This sustaining improvement inspection was conducted during industrial action, with staff declaring non-cooperation with inspectors. Consequently, the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) states it was “unable to evaluate fully the areas of focus” and cannot “assure parents/carers... of the quality of education provided.” The report relies on documentary evidence rather than direct observation of teaching or learning.

Strengths

• Self-evaluation procedures are informing whole school development planning, including audits of behaviour and research into best practice.
• Staff are developing “holistic strategies to support pupils who present with challenging behaviour” in collaboration with therapists.
• A new approach to literacy includes an assessment system for pupils with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD).
• Innovative use of art, drama, and music has helped pupils with PMLD create a published book.
• Safeguarding arrangements continue to reflect Department of Education guidance.

Areas to improve

• The report does not identify specific areas for improvement but notes the ETI is “unable to assure... of the quality of education” due to the industrial action.
• The school is at an “early stage” in developing strategies for challenging behaviour and new literacy approaches.

Safeguarding

The school provided evidence that arrangements for safeguarding continue to reflect the guidance issued by the Department of Education.