Priestley Smith School

Overview

Priestley Smith School is described as a "wonderful place to learn" where the "quality of care and education is exceptional." The inspection confirms that the school has "taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection," ensuring that all pupils with visual impairments continue to flourish.

Strengths

• The curriculum is "broad, balanced and ambitious," with "innovative adaptations" such as assistive technology and reprographics resources that help pupils access learning.
• Pupils make "excellent progress" through targeted support, including a "progressive TDS programme" and clear reading plans that enable fluency in Braille.
• "Pupil and staff relationships are a strength," fostering an environment where pupils feel "safe and understood" and exhibit "exemplary" behaviour.
• Enrichment activities, including adventurous pursuits like rock climbing and community visits, help develop pupils’ "resilience and strength of character."
• Leaders are a "driven and ambitious team" who have successfully improved attendance and reading outcomes through clear roles and multi-agency partnerships.

Areas to improve

• The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."