Rosstulla Special School

Overview

This sustaining improvement inspection was conducted during industrial action, with most teachers refusing to co-operate. Consequently, the ETI states it is “unable to assure parents/carers... of the quality of education provided for the pupils.” The report notes that evaluations are based only on evidence available at the time, as the inspectorate could not fully assess the school’s capacity for improvement.

Strengths

• Consultation with pupils, parents, and staff has informed pastoral action plans, with staff trained to use information systems to “record and monitor more effectively pupil behaviour.”
• Pupils are supported in developing skills to “self-regulate their behaviour and manage their emotions” through strategies including nurture provision, social skills groups, and ‘chill-out’ zones.
• Baseline literacy and numeracy assessments have been developed, with staff using new systems to baseline “social and emotional development” to inform individual education plans.
• Data tracking sheets are used to monitor progress and identify underachievement, while progression files have been updated and transition consultation between departments is growing.

Areas to improve

• The school needs to “develop an Intimate Care Policy.”
• Leadership must “continue their review of the pastoral policies.”
• The school should “merge curricular and pastoral data to provide a clear understanding of the complex and multiple barriers to the pupils’ progress and learning.”

Safeguarding

The school provided evidence that safeguarding arrangements “reflect broadly the guidance from the Department of Education,” though the ETI was unable to fully evaluate their outworking due to the industrial action.