Harberton Special School

Overview

The inspection was conducted during industrial action, with most teachers refusing to cooperate. Consequently, the ETI states it is “unable to assure” the quality of education and assigns “No performance level available” for outcomes, provision, and leadership. Despite these limitations, the report highlights positive pupil progress and high satisfaction from parents and staff.

Strengths

• Pupils develop “very well” their social skills, self-confidence, and independence, with “highly effective” transition preparation.
• “Almost all” pupils make “steady and secure progress” through individual education plan targets and attain “excellent” ICT competency.
• The majority of observed lessons were “outstanding,” featuring “highly organised, differentiated and practical learning experiences.”
• Parents and staff reported “high levels of satisfaction,” praising the “caring, positive learning environment” and effective leadership.
• Strategic leadership is described as “very effective,” with a “child-centred” ethos and strong partnerships with external agencies.

Areas to improve

• The report identifies no specific areas for improvement, noting instead that the ETI was “unable to evaluate fully” outcomes, curriculum quality, and middle leadership due to the industrial action.

Safeguarding

The report states that safeguarding arrangements “reflect the guidance issued by the Department of Education” and that young people “feel safe in the school.”