Talocher School

Leaders have established a strong, whole-school culture of reflective practice that drives continuous improvement. Staff at all levels contribute to regular review cycles, including three-weekly and half-termly evaluations of teaching and curriculum impact. This draws appropriately on assessment information, behaviour analysis, staff feedback and pupil voice. This collective reflection informs timely adaptations to both behaviour approaches and curriculum design. For example, staff use detailed analysis of incidents and intervention logs to refine trauma-informed strategies and support plans, leading to improved engagement and fewer incidents over time. In parallel, collaborative curriculum reviews ensure learning experiences remain highly personalised and responsive to pupils’ needs and interests. This joined-up approach has led to significant improvements in attendance, engagement and pupils’ confidence, communication and independence.A particular strength of the school’s work is its structured and purposeful approach to developing pupils’ reading skills. The school meets pupils at their individual levels of need, supporting progression from early reading skills through to reading for a range of purposes, including GCSE-level texts.Developing ReadingProvision for pre- and emerging readers is especially effective. Pupils benefit from a well-embedded, adaptive programme that builds systematically on prior learning. As their reading skills develop, pupils increasingly apply these to writing and communication. As a result, pupils make strong progress from their varied starting points.Across the school, reading is integrated effectively into the wider curriculum through a structured programme that staff adapt skilfully. Leaders have strengthened this provision through targeted professional learning, which is shared effectively across the staff team.Nearly all pupils make secure progress in reading, with many making rapid gains. This progress contributes significantly to pupils’ confidence, self-image and social development. For example, a few pupils develop the ability to independently read and respond to messages from friends, which strengthens their social interactions and well-being.