Curnow School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 12 November 2024

Curnow is a very special place. The school's vision is to provide an exceptional, nurturing environment for all its pupils. It does this extremely well. Parents cannot speak highly enough of the school. Pupils really enjoy attending, so much so that some said they would spend more time at school if they could. Pupils are happy and secure at school because the staff look after them so well. All pupils, including those with the most complex difficulties, have very positive relationships with staff. Staff make sure that all children receive the high-quality care and respect that they deserve. Pupils demonstrate their genuine care for one another. Many pupils spoken with say they have friends and trusted adults who they know will help and support them. The school wants every pupil to do as well as they can. The curriculum has been carefully tailored to meet the needs of pupils. Staff know the children really well. Staff skilfully provide a wide range of teaching approaches and support. Pupils are well prepared for the next stage in their life. Leaders care deeply about the children in their care. Leaders work hard to meet the health, education and care needs of pupils while also ensuring pupils enjoy their time at school.

What the school should improve

• The school has not ensured that systems to assess what pupils know and can do align with the updated curriculum. As a result, some staff spend too much time completing unnecessary assessments. This reduces the time pupils get to practise key skills. The trust needs to ensure that assessment is effective and pupils get sufficient time to embed new learning.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)