SELWORTHY Special School in Taunton "continues to be a good school", Ofsted inspectors have concluded.

Their report following a visit to the academy school says the 182 pupils aged four to 19 learn "an ambitious curriculum" that underpins the vision and aspirations staff and governors have for the young people.

The pupils have profound, specific, severe or moderate learning difficulties, autistic spectrum disorder and social, emotional and mental health needs.

They enjoy school, feel safe and have positive attitudes to learning, while staff have high expectations of pupils’ conduct.

Pupils say when they find things tricky, staff "give them space, listen and take time to talk with them about their feelings".

The report says: "Staff are strong advocates for pupils so they can make themselves heard.

"Pupils are given opportunities to experience success, as well as being prepared to face challenges that place demands on them in different ways, for example, heightening their emotions and testing their resilience and independence.

"Many parents and carers describe the positive difference staff have made to their children’s well-being and development."

Selworthy has a "highly effective" early reading and communication curriculum, with "clear and

ambitious expectations" for how pupils will learn to communicate and read successfully.

The report adds: "Leaders have evolved a series of systems and processes that support staff to know precisely what pupils need to overcome their barriers to learning.

"Information captured about each pupil is thorough. Each pupil’s education, health and care plan is at the centre of this."

There is a significant focus on the transition from home to school so children are ready to learn.

Children in early years have a strong start to school, which has three sites for varying age groups.

Older pupils talk about their next steps, work experience opportunities and how their learning in school helps to prepare them for this.

Learning in the sixth form follows a more vocational approach.

"Learning is linked to their own abilities and interests," says the report.

"This ensures successful onward destinations when students move on to their next stage.

"The sixth form provides students with a real-life environment to learn and practise the skills they are working on."

Safeguarding is a high priority on all three sites.

Selworthy is a member of the Oak Partnership Trust - the other members, primary schools Blackbrook, Ruishton and West Monkton - all recently received 'good' Ofsted reports.