Harford Manor School, Norwich

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 June 2023

Pupils, who all have special educational needs and/or disabilities, are looked after well. They forge positive, trusting relationships with adults. Pupils enjoy learning from a personalised curriculum. This helps them to develop firm foundations for their futures. Adults understand each pupil's needs, including those of students in the sixth form. Pupils understand the clear expectations of how they should behave. They are provided with firm, sensitive support to make positive choices about their behaviour. Pupils become familiar with routines. They use their personal 'toolkits' to manage their emotions and conduct. When pupils become anxious or upset, staff act quickly to de-escalate any potential incidents. Pupils' learning continues at break- and lunchtimes. They make enthusiastic use of the play equipment and activities available. Under the close guidance of staff, they learn to manage their behaviour and play games productively together. Pupils feel safe. They rarely experience bullying. If they become uneasy, they turn to trusted staff who provide effective support. Pupils have plenty of opportunities to experience life in the local community. They gain a great deal from their visits to local supermarkets and, for sixth-form students, through their work in the school's charity shop.

What the school should improve

• Aspects of the curriculum are new. Some strand leaders have not completed their review of how well it is taught. On occasion, adults do not choose resources and teaching approaches that are well matched to pupils' needs and capabilities. Where this is the case, some pupils lose focus and make less progress. Leaders should evaluate further how well the curriculum, including that in reading for more advanced readers, is being delivered. Leaders should then provide staff with guidance to deliver the curriculum equally well in all subjects.

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