Extract from the HMI Inspection Report 2007 [Copies of the full report are available on the HMIe Press Desk, Tel: 07900 678426]

Conclusion

Leadership, meeting needs and pastoral care were excellent. In less than a year, the school had made exemplary progress in providing appropriate educational and therapeutic experiences in line with its aims to meet the needs of young people and their families based on their needs. The school provided young people with calm and purposeful care, motivating opportunities to achieve and widen their interests, and to experience positive relationships with staff. As a result, young people were making evident progress in their learning and their ability to work and lead independent lives. The school was continuing to improve and extend its provision, for example by extending its vocational education. 

How suitable are accommodation and resources?

Accommodation and facilities       Very good    

Provision of resources                    Very good

How well are pupils cared for?

Pastoral care                                      Excellent

Climate and relationships               Very good

Leading and improving the school

Leadership                                         Excellent

Aims and policy making                   Very good

Staffing                                                 Very good

Self-evaluation                                    Good

HMIe reports use the following word scale to make clear the judgements made by inspectors:

 Excellent                                              Outstanding: Sector leading 

Very good                                              Major strengths

Good                                                      Important strengths with areas for improvement

Adequate                                               Strengths just outweigh weaknesses

Weak                                                      Important weaknesses

Unsatisfactory                                      Major weaknesses

Main points for action

Continue to extend existing good practice in teaching and self-evaluation more fully across the school.

What happens next?

HMIE will refer this report to the Registrar of Independent Schools who will decide and set any new conditions which may be attached to the school’s registration. As a result of the overall quality of performance of the school, HM Inspectors will make no further visits as a result of this inspection. The school and Board of Governors have been asked to prepare an action plan indicating how they will address the main findings of the report, and to share that plan with parents.