Sperrinview Special School

Overview

This Sustaining Improvement Inspection confirms that Sperrinview Special School “continues to demonstrate a high level of capacity for sustained improvement in the interest of all the learners.” The inspection focused on the further development of leadership and provision for pupils with autism, alongside the enhancement of communication strategies to meet complex needs. The report highlights significant progress in staff professional development and resource allocation since the previous inspection.

Strengths

• Leadership has invested significantly in professional development to ensure a “consistent approach for the autism provision,” with coordinators leading with “skill and enthusiasm.”
• Pupils with autism “engage very well in class and make very good progress,” responding positively to “challenging and enjoyable learning activities.”
• There is a “sustained focus on developing resources and staff skills” to support pupils with complex communication difficulties, including the use of Makaton and assistive technology.
• Teachers and assistants “analyse skilfully the progress made by the pupils,” ensuring individual strategies are informed by baseline assessments.
• The school provides “communication workshops for parents and local businesses” to extend opportunities for pupils to communicate in their community.

Areas to improve

The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.

Safeguarding

The school provided evidence that “the arrangements for safeguarding children reflect the guidance from the Department of Education.”