"Promoting independence is an area the school excels in. Children are helped by staff to be as independent as possible. Staff teach children the skills they need for life after school, such as how to travel independently on public transport, and to develop skills in self-care, cooking, budgeting, laundry, cleaning and how to use technology to support their independence. For example, they use online maps and phone apps which identify items at the supermarket, face recognition and colour of clothing, which is especially important when doing the laundry. As a result, children are more independent than they may have otherwise been and are well prepared for their futures."

"Children receive well-planned individual support from a committed staff team. Staff have developed individual plans for children, which are regularly reviewed and updated. Staff often think creatively to improve the quality of care given to children. For example, they use phone apps to help with day-to-day tasks. As a result, children have become more confident and make progress with their independence. Children who spoke to the inspectors spoke fondly of the school and those caring for them. They say how much the school has changed their lives. They now have friends who understand how a visual impairment impacts on them, are encouraged to do tasks and participate in activities which before would be considered too risky. Consequently, children are much more aspirational about their futures."

"Staff encourage children to try lots of new activities, including sports which they previously would not have thought they could do. For example, children enjoy shooting club, paddleboarding, football, basketball and judo. This has helped them develop new interests and realise that having a visual impairment is not a barrier to having fun. Staff encourage children to participate in social events, for example, to attend youth club, parties and house events. Many children are very musical and enjoy playing instruments, singing and dancing. Staff take children to theatres to watch musical performances and children put on their own performances for staff and children. This helps children to develop their social skills, confidence and creativity."