Longwill A Primary School for Deaf Children

Overview

The report describes a school where “being deaf is a reason to be proud” and pupils “thrive, surrounded by belief and pride.” Leaders and staff maintain “high expectations” for all pupils, ensuring barriers to learning are “systematically broken down” through exemplary support for special educational needs. The inspection found the school to be “Outstanding” across all categories, with a culture that prepares pupils to “take on the world.”

Strengths

• Pupils become “confident British Sign Language (BSL) users” from day one, with most leaving with BSL qualifications.
• The school’s bespoke “Visual Phonics by Hand” scheme enables pupils to “quickly learn to read” and develop a “love of reading.”
• “Exemplary” behaviour is maintained in a “calm, purposeful and safe environment,” with staff acting swiftly to address any challenges.
• “Deaf studies” are a “real strength,” teaching communication skills, assistive technology, and cultural awareness.
• An “impressive range of clubs” and carefully planned trips promote pupils’ “confidence, resilience and self-belief.”

Areas to improve

The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with staff well trained to understand specific risks for deaf children and pupils taught to identify five people to ask for help.