Ellen Tinkham School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 April 2023

Ellen Tinkham School is a warm, caring community. The school's vision that 'everyone will be the best that they can be' is evident in all aspects of school life. Pupils have a range of special educational needs and/or disabilities. These complex needs could become long-term barriers to learning and life. However, this is a school where there are the highest expectations for what pupils can achieve. Staff work tirelessly to break down barriers to learning. Consequently, pupils are happy, confident learners, well prepared for the next stage of their education and life in modern Britain. Pupils feel well supported by staff, who build strong, caring relationships with them and their families. This helps pupils feel safe. Behaviour in lessons and around the school is positive. Well-trained staff support pupils who become unsettled to re- engage in learning. Bullying is not an issue in school. Pupils know that staff would intervene swiftly if it were to occur. Leaders have created a highly inclusive school environment. Pupils have opportunities to take part in a wide range of activities outside the classroom. Staff find creative and imaginative ways to ensure that all pupils can participate, no matter how complex their needs are.

What the school should improve

• In a few subjects, teachers do not have the expertise to deliver the curriculum as intended. When this happens, learning is not sufficiently well matched to the needs of pupils. As a result, pupils do not achieve as well as they could. Leaders should ensure teachers have the knowledge they need to deliver all subjects effectively.

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