The Royal School for the Deaf Derby is a non-maintained special school that caters to deaf children and young people aged three to nineteen. The school has made significant improvements since its last inspection, achieving a Good rating across all areas, including leadership and management, teaching quality, personal development, behavior, welfare, and pupil outcomes. The leadership team, comprising senior and middle leaders, has effectively enhanced the quality of teaching, resulting in pupils making good progress throughout their education. The curriculum is broad and balanced, offering a variety of subjects and extracurricular activities, including adventurous residential experiences.
Teachers are well-prepared and focus on the specific knowledge and skills that pupils need to succeed. Most pupils meet their targets by the end of key stage four, and the school has a strong emphasis on developing reading skills, particularly for less able pupils. However, some middle-ability pupils still struggle with reading fluency due to a lack of knowledge of high-frequency words. The school has implemented effective strategies to support pupils with complex needs, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance to thrive in their learning environment.
Governors play an active role in the school's development, being well-informed about pupil progress and challenging leaders to raise standards further. The school promotes a positive atmosphere where pupils feel safe and valued, leading to high attendance rates that exceed national averages for similar schools. The relationships between staff and pupils are constructive, fostering a supportive learning environment.
In the early years, children settle well and make good progress in their learning. The staff create a nurturing environment that encourages children to feel secure and confident. The sixth-form provision is also a strength, with students studying a range of academic and vocational courses, preparing them well for their future endeavors. The school development plan, while comprehensive, needs clearer measurable success criteria to enable governors to assess the effectiveness of leadership actions.
The school has successfully utilized pupil premium funding to improve reading ages for low-ability pupils and to provide additional support for disadvantaged students. The curriculum emphasizes personal development, with effective careers advice and guidance helping pupils plan for their futures. The school collaborates with external agencies to ensure the well-being of its pupils, addressing their social and emotional needs.
Despite the overall positive outcomes, there are areas for improvement. Some pupils with complex needs exhibit challenging behavior, and there is a need for consistent application of the behavior policy by staff. Additionally, while the school has made strides in teaching reading, further development is necessary to enhance the reading skills of middle-ability pupils.
Overall, the Royal School for the Deaf Derby demonstrates a commitment to providing high-quality education and support for its pupils. The school has established a strong foundation for continued improvement, ensuring that all students are well-prepared for their next steps in education and life. The positive relationships, effective leadership, and tailored teaching strategies contribute to a thriving educational environment where pupils can achieve their full potential.
