Turney Primary and Secondary Special School in London has undergone an ungraded inspection on 13 and 14 September 2023, maintaining its overall judgment of outstanding. However, the evidence suggests that if a graded inspection were conducted now, the grade might not be as high. The next inspection will be a graded one. Parents and carers hold the school in high regard, expressing complete trust in the staff's ability to care for and educate their children. Many describe the care as exceptional, with one parent stating that the school has transformed their child's life, enabling achievements they never thought possible. Pupils feel safe and happy at the school.
The curriculum emphasizes the development of communication skills, which is central to the school's approach. Staff are adept at enhancing pupils' communication abilities through various resources, including technology, allowing pupils to express themselves and feel included. The school council actively contributes to improving school life. Established daily routines create a predictable environment, fostering engagement in learning. High expectations for behavior are upheld, with leaders and teachers promptly addressing any unkind behavior, including bullying. Positive relationships between pupils and adults are evident.
Pupils engage in numerous opportunities that promote personal development, such as enhancing mathematical skills through visits to local venues. Sixth form students benefit from practical activities that prepare them for life beyond school. The school is committed to adapting its curriculum to meet the evolving needs of its pupils, which have significantly changed since the last inspection. While the curriculum is well-designed in most subjects, some areas, particularly in the secondary phase, lack clarity regarding essential knowledge that pupils should learn. This occasionally hinders pupils' learning.
The school excels in personalizing communication and language development, effectively demonstrating the language pupils need to learn. Visual aids and objects reinforce learning, leading to exceptional communication skill development, which also aids in behavior management. Daily reading sessions foster a love for reading, although the phonics program for early readers sometimes does not align with pupils' needs, limiting progress. Breaktimes offer a variety of activities, and pupils are treated with dignity, given the freedom to choose quiet spaces when needed.
The school has a clear vision for pupil achievement and experience, with an excellent enrichment program that provides opportunities for activities that build confidence and resilience. Parents appreciate the strides their children make in independence, such as learning self-care skills. Staff feel valued and supported, contributing to a culture of mutual support within the school.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring pupil safety. However, the school needs to finalize its curriculum thinking in some subjects, particularly in the secondary phase, to enhance pupil progression. Additionally, early reading instruction is inconsistent, with some programs not adequately matched to pupils' needs. The school should take action to ensure phonics is taught effectively for those at the early stages of reading. This inspection marks the first routine evaluation since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the school has demonstrated resilience in adapting to the challenges posed by the pandemic. Overall, the school has positively impacted the lives of its pupils and their families, fostering an environment of growth and development.
