Ellen Tinkham School is a special school located in Exeter, Devon, catering for pupils aged three to nineteen. The school operates across two sites, with early years and primary education at Hollow Lane and secondary and sixth form at Wayside Crescent. The school is part of the Learn to Live Federation and the SENtient Trust, which includes other special schools in the local area. It serves students with a range of complex needs, including severe learning difficulties, profound and multiple learning difficulties, autism spectrum disorder, and physical impairments. All pupils have an education, health, and care plan.
The recent inspection conducted on April 19 and 20, 2023, rated the overall effectiveness of the school as good, with specific areas such as behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision receiving outstanding ratings. The quality of education and leadership and management were rated as good. The school has maintained a strong commitment to high expectations for all pupils, ensuring that they are well-prepared for their future education and life in modern Britain.
Pupils at Ellen Tinkham School thrive in a supportive and caring environment. Staff build strong relationships with students and their families, fostering a sense of safety and belonging. The school has implemented effective strategies to manage behaviour, resulting in positive conduct in lessons and throughout the school. Bullying is not a concern, as pupils feel confident that staff will address any issues promptly. The inclusive environment allows pupils to engage in a variety of extracurricular activities, with staff creatively adapting these opportunities to meet the diverse needs of all students.
The curriculum is designed to be ambitious and personalized, with staff carefully identifying each pupil's needs from the early years through to the sixth form. This tailored approach enables pupils to develop their knowledge and skills across a range of subjects, promoting independence and preparing them for life after school. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with effective phonics instruction and a focus on ensuring that pupils gain confidence in their reading abilities.
Personal development is a key strength of the school, with a comprehensive PSHE curriculum that teaches respect for diversity and the importance of listening to pupils' voices. The school provides numerous opportunities for learning outside the classroom, which helps to build confidence and independence among students. Careers education begins in the primary years, fostering aspirations for future achievements.
Attendance at the school is high, with pupils eager to attend each day. The positive atmosphere extends from the youngest children to the oldest students, with mutual respect evident among pupils and staff. Leaders and governors actively engage with staff to ensure their well-being and manage workload effectively, contributing to a supportive work environment.
While the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement. In some subjects, teachers may lack the necessary expertise to deliver the curriculum effectively, which can hinder pupil achievement. Leaders are encouraged to ensure that all teachers possess the knowledge required to teach their subjects proficiently. Overall, Ellen Tinkham School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education for its pupils, fostering an environment where they can thrive and reach their full potential.
