Ofsted conducted a short inspection of The Livity School on 16 July 2019, which was the first since the school was rated as good in February 2016. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good standard of education. The leadership team has effectively managed the challenges posed by recent significant changes in leadership, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the school's strengths and weaknesses. This self-awareness has facilitated the implementation of various improvement strategies that have enhanced the educational provision for pupils, particularly those with complex special educational needs and disabilities.
Attendance levels have been maintained through the introduction of monthly checks, despite the increasing medical complexities of the pupils. The school has also established a new system for reporting concerns, which has been positively received by parents and carers, who feel that issues are addressed promptly. Staff morale is high, with many expressing pride in their association with the school and confidence in the support provided by school leaders. Effective collaboration with external agencies has equipped staff with the necessary guidance to meet the diverse needs of pupils.
Safeguarding practices at the school are robust, with leaders ensuring that all arrangements are fit for purpose. A safe culture is evident throughout the school, supported by clear procedures for visitors and efficient staff vetting processes. Regular training ensures that staff are well-informed about safeguarding issues. The commitment to safeguarding is reflected in the effective management of pupil transitions and the positive feedback from families regarding the safety and care provided by the school community.
During the inspection, pupils exhibited exemplary behavior, moving safely around the school and showing respect for others. The school has implemented individualized management plans for pupils requiring additional behavioral support, and effective systems for monitoring behavior enable leaders to target support effectively. The inspection focused on the leadership's capacity for continuous improvement, the challenge presented to pupils to achieve their best, and the curriculum's role in this process.
The school has a well-structured plan for consistent leadership quality over the coming year, fostering optimism about future improvements. However, some parents expressed anxiety regarding the upcoming leadership changes. Leaders utilize pupil progress information to strategically plan interventions, although not all initiatives yield the desired outcomes. The governing body possesses a wealth of experience, but some members do not engage sufficiently with the school, hindering informed decision-making.
Pupils excel in English and mathematics, achieving targets set during education, health, and care plan reviews. The multi-disciplinary team's expertise is effectively shared with staff, enhancing support for pupils' learning. The curriculum is tailored to meet the complex needs of pupils, with regular reviews ensuring lessons are engaging. Parents appreciate the personalized approach to the curriculum, which is designed around their children's needs.
In early years, the curriculum employs sensory techniques to engage children, fostering participation and independence. The school’s total communication approach, which includes signing and symbols, empowers pupils to express their needs and make choices, significantly reducing behavior-related incidents. Next steps for the school include maintaining educational quality during leadership transitions, enhancing governors' understanding of challenges, and establishing a consistent system to track pupils' personal development progress.
