Kilton Thorpe Specialist Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 May 2022

Kilton Thorpe Specialist Academy (KTS) is a warm and welcoming school. Pupils thrive here and they relish coming to school. They are kind to each other. Pupils feel safe. They behave impeccably. Pupils say that bullying is very rare but trust adults to sort out any problems when they do happen. Pupils are proud of what they achieve and celebrate the success of others. They know that their teachers and other staff will help them learn. Leaders and governors are relentless in their ambition for all pupils to achieve their best. Staff care passionately about pupils. Pupils' well-being and development are at the very heart of the school. Developing pupils' communication and reading skills are a core part of every school day. Pupils talk excitedly about the stories and rhymes that teachers read to them. From early years onwards, pupils are prepared for life. They learn how to be independent and how to look after themselves. They learn about their rights and learn that everyone is equal. They know that it is important to respect and treat others equally. Teachers know every pupil exceptionally well. Staff plan carefully to help every individual do better. Parents and carers recognise this. Parental feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Often, they describe the school as 'brilliant', 'fantastic' and 'second to none'. One parent spoke for many when they said that the school 'enables children to flourish and to be themselves' and that staff 'encourage children to be the best they can be'. Parents praise the school for 'being amazing throughout the COVID-19 pandemic' and say their children go 'from strength to strength' as a result of the 'wonderful staff'. What does the school do well? Leaders have a clear vision to provide all pupils with an exceptional education. They have designed two ambitious curriculum pathways. Both the developmental pathway and the formal pathway support pupils very well. They make excellent progress from their starting points. Both pathways successfully develop pupils' communication, reading and mathematical knowledge and skills. They also allow pupils to be creative, inquisitive and learn about the world around them. There is a rich early years environment. This provides a stimulating foundation for children. Most pupils in school have complex needs and follow the developmental curriculum. However, leaders check pupils' progress often and identify when pupils should be taught a 'blend' of both curriculums. Staff share leaders' vision for pupils to excel, and work tirelessly to achieve this. Staff are proud of the difference that they make to pupils' lives. Teachers and their class team work together to check pupils' individual knowledge and decide what their next steps will be. Classrooms are set out well. There are high staffing ratios. This leads to purposeful and stimulating learning for all pupils. As a result, pupils achieve exceptionally well. At the heart of the success of the school is the individualised target setting for each pupil. Teachers use education, health and care plans to identify what they need to do to get the best outcomes for each pupil. Staff work alongside other professionals to understand how to meet each pupil's specific needs. Using all this information, teachers set personal goal targets for each pupil. Teachers plan individual activities in lessons that help pupils to build on their knowledge and skills. These might include the use of technology, sign language and other special resources to support pupils in their communication. As such, every pupil has a voice and is able to learn in their own, unique way. Leaders are determined that pupils know their own, individual rights. The school's Rights Respecting School Gold Award is the foundation for promoting pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Displays around school promote children's rights. Rights of the week are discussed in assemblies and through the curriculum. As a result, pupils know that their opinions matter. Pupils enjoy a wide offer of enrichment activities. They take on responsibility through student council, enterprise or running the café. Pupils' personal development is an integral part of the preparing for adulthood curriculum. This is woven through the curriculum from early years through to sixth form. Pupils learn life skills, such as cooking, managing money and independent travel. Post-16 students have personalised study programmes. They have vocational opportunities and work experience. They gain qualifications that prepare them for their next steps. All students who leave KTS go on to appropriate destinations. Staff feel very proud to work at the school. They feel supported and valued by leaders. Staff recognise that leaders take their workload and well-being into account. Leaders and governors are relentless in their ambition to achieve the best outcomes for pupils. They are reflective and have a desire to keep improving, despite the school's undoubted strengths and successes.

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