The Avenue Special School

Overview

The inspection found that pupils are happy and settle quickly into daily routines within a "calm atmosphere" characterised by "warm, nurturing relationships". Leaders maintain high expectations for behaviour, resulting in pupils who "behave exceptionally well" and feel safe and trusted by staff.

Strengths

• Staff know pupils exceptionally well, fostering a culture where children feel safe and are "well prepared for their next steps".
• The curriculum is carefully organised into pathways to meet diverse special educational needs, helping pupils "develop their confidence and persevere in their learning".
• Reading provision has strengthened, with a "well-established phonics programme" and creative support ensuring pupils from the youngest to oldest "love to participate in sensory stories or to read their own books".
• Sixth-form provision effectively prepares pupils for adulthood through courses that promote independence, such as learning to "look after themselves".

Areas to improve

• Leaders must integrate pupils’ personalised targets into the wider curriculum to ensure learning is broken down into precise smaller steps for progress.
• Staff require further training and resources to skilfully facilitate communication, ensuring all pupils have the necessary symbol support to engage fully and independently.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective," noting that systems are robust, checks are thorough, and referrals are made quickly.