Royal Deaf Education Trust

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 23 February 2023

Exeter Royal Academy for Deaf Education is a place of inspiration for the pupils who attend. Pupils have often had negative experiences of education and engagement in the world around them prior to attending. One pupil described the school as 'paradise'. Others agree, saying that they are in a place where they can communicate, feel heard and feel visible. Pupils value the incredibly strong relationships with adults. Leaders prioritise pupils' social, emotional and mental health needs. Adults are aspirational role models, whether they are hearing or deaf members of staff. They encourage pupils towards independence and active participation in society. Staff are well informed about what successful inclusion should be for a deaf young person. Pupils are fully accepting of the diverse needs of their peers. They are encouraged to extend this to diversity and cultural awareness in a much wider sense. Everyone has high expectations of behaviour. Pupils respond exceptionally well to these. Pupils are highly respectful of the support that staff put in place when they experience challenge. Pupils trust adults and feel safe. There is a culture of openness and sharing around concerns and worries. Pupils do not have any concerns about bullying.

What the school should improve

• Although leaders have now ensured a balance between subject expertise and SEND knowledge in the development of the curriculum, there is still work to be done to embed this to help pupils learn and remember more over time. Leaders need to ensure that the work started in core subject areas, such as English and mathematics, continues to strengthen and that the wider curriculum is fully established in line with this.

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