Talbot Specialist School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 28 June 2022

Pupils are happy and feel safe at Talbot Specialist School. Pupils are well cared for. Staff have high expectations for all pupils. Pupils are taught an ambitious curriculum that is adapted to the individual needs of pupils. Pupil's behaviour is managed well. This is because of the strong relationships between staff and pupils. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported. The school has well-trained staff and a range of specialist resources available for pupils to use. These include a hydrotherapy pool and trampoline therapy. The school has expanded its sixth form to provide more places. Students in sixth form are well prepared for their next steps. Pupils are taught to keep themselves safe and healthy. They have dedicated nurture and wellbeing lessons that supports their physical and mental health. Pupils know staff would support them to resolve bullying issues if it were to happen.

What the school should improve

• Not all medium-term plans specify how the essential knowledge that pupils need to learn should be delivered. This reduces consistency and adds to teacher preparation. Leaders should ensure the detail of medium-term plans is improved by specifying how the essential knowledge that pupils need to learn can be taught.
• The wider curriculum offer is less extensive than prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pupils do not have the opportunity to experience the range of activities that were previously available to them. Leaders should ensure their wider curriculum plans provide all pupils with a rich range of personal development opportunities.

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