Southlands School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 May 2024

At Southlands, pupils become increasingly confident, sociable individuals. This is because dedicated staff meet their needs and provide them with understanding, caring support. All pupils have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They study a curriculum that demands progressively more of them. Pupils learn in small groups, in which staff typically provide them with precise teaching and support. This helps many pupils to achieve well. They learn to read with increased confidence and accuracy. Pupils enjoy the stories that adults read to them. Pupils understand the school's high expectations of their behaviour. Very many behave well. They become more independent, determined learners. Some pupils have complex behavioural needs. Over time, they learn to better manage their behaviour. However, at times, some pupils still become agitated and need the guidance of skilled staff to regulate their behaviour. They do, however, rely less on adult support. Pupils are safe at school. Pupils trust, and turn to, staff for guidance. Pupils receive high-quality pastoral support in 'The Hub'. Pupils gain valuable experience of life in the community through visits to local shops, businesses and colleges. These activities help pupils to put into practice the communication and social skills they learn across the curriculum.

What the school should improve

• Leaders' work to improve the quality of education is ongoing in a few areas of the curriculum. Some teaching is not well matched to pupils' needs, so their knowledge is not secure. The school should continue its work to set out exactly what pupils should learn and to make sure that the teachers deliver the curriculum well in all subjects.

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