Avalon School on Brooks Road in Street, Somerset, has once again received a "Good" rating following an inspection on 18 and 19 July 2023.

The school has been commended for its personalised approach to education, notably for students with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

"Pupils at Avalon School are known and celebrated as individuals. They are treated with sensitivity and care by staff," the inspection report states, adding that parents highly value this aspect of the school's ethos.

One of the standout features highlighted in the inspection is the school's "nurture breakfast", which supports and celebrates pupils' personal development. "It provides a calm and purposeful start to the day," the report notes. This aligns with the school's strong emphasis on pupils' personal development, which includes opportunities for students to practice life skills such as baking for the tuck shop or growing food in the school garden.

The curriculum, described as coherent and carefully sequenced, is another strength of Avalon School. "Leaders have designed a new curriculum... Ambitious communication and personal development learning activities are woven through the curriculum," the inspection reveals. This is coupled with a "learning for life" curriculum that helps sixth-form students prepare for adulthood.

In addition to the school's personalised approach, the report applauds the improvement in educational quality, behaviour and safeguarding measures over the past two years. "Staff are proud to work at the school," the report states. "They talk positively about the changes and the support from leaders to manage their workload and well-being."

Despite these achievements, the inspection points to areas where the school could enhance its educational offering. The report indicates that while staff have a strong understanding of individual pupils' needs, "some subject curriculums" could benefit from deeper subject knowledge to ensure students have ample opportunities to deepen their understanding.

The report outlines the school's success in preparing pupils for their future, noting, "The school's curriculum prepares pupils well for the next stage of education or employment." Work experience and careers curriculum are highlighted as particular strengths in guiding students towards high aspirations.

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When it comes to safeguarding, Avalon School has been given the green light as well. "All safer recruitment checks are completed before staff and volunteers begin working at the school," the report confirms.

Avalon School's leadership team is looking forward to building on these successes. According to the report, "Leaders demonstrate a commitment to sustaining and building on these improvements."

To address the cited areas for improvement, the report recommends that leaders need to "support staff to improve their subject knowledge in these subjects to ensure pupils know more, can do more and remember more over time."

You can find the full report here.