NATIONAL AVG.
2.09
Ofsted report
(13/02/2024)
Special schools provide a unique and distinctive educational environment to meet the needs of the pupils in their community. Undertaking standard tests may not be appropriate and we do not show performance data for special schools.
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Performance Data
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84.6%
NATIONAL AVG.
12.4%
Pupils with SEN support
School Description
Pupils join Elysium Healthcare Potters Bar Clinic School having typically missed a good deal of formal education. All have significant social, emotional and mental health needs. All are valued and well cared for by staff. Leaders are, rightly, ambitious for every pupil. Staff build positive relationships with pupils, based on mutual respect. Pupils typically behave well. They correct their conduct quickly when prompted to and improve it over time. Classrooms are usually calm places to be. Pupils told us that bullying is very rare ‘because we respect each other for who we are’. When it does happen, leaders sort it out swiftly. The school has improved strongly over the last two years. Pupils feel safe because of leaders’ changes. Teachers usually make sure that learning fills gaps in pupils’ knowledge. This typically builds pupils’ confidence and their willingness to attend more and learn more. Staff help pupils to get ready to return to school, or to go on to college, after they leave the hospital. Pupils appreciate the efforts staff make to help them learn. A representative comment from one pupil noted ‘I am a pupil, not a patient, when I am at school. Staff believe in me. They don’t give up on me, so I don’t give up on myself.’ What does the school do well and what does it need to do better? Since the previous standard inspection, leaders have made sure that the curriculum better fits the needs, interests and ambitions of individual pupils. The headteacher has made this a priority, so that learning prepares pupils for the next stage in their education when they leave. Together with the head of education, she checks that pupils are learning well. Staff respond to the headteacher’s insistence on high standards. They support each other by sharing useful ideas and resources. The quality of education that pupils experience has improved very significantly. When pupils first join the school, teachers assess what they do and do not know in each subject that they study. Staff use all available information to develop personalised curriculum plans for each pupil. Typically, these set out, in a logical order, what each pupil will learn. Teachers usually adapt these plans well to take account of what pupils have already learned. In a small number of subjects, new knowledge is taught in a less logical order. This limits pupils’ ability to make connections between the things they learn. More training is needed to ensure that all teachers are skilled enough to teach different subjects expertly. Teachers usually give clear explanations, and show pupils how to do new things, step by step. Teachers give pupils enough opportunities to practise new techniques, such as chord changes in music, or factorising equations in mathematics. This helps pupils to play a fluent guitar accompaniment to a song they have written, or to solve a mathematics problem, for example. Typically, pupils work hard and take a pride in their learning. They develop their knowledge and understanding well during their time at the school. This prepares them well for when they leave the hospital. Inspection report: Elysium Healthcare Potters Bar Clinic School 22–24 June 2021 2 Teachers are generally quick to spot pupils’ errors and gaps in their knowledge. They help to correct or close these before teaching new things. Sometimes, teachers’ assessment of what pupils know is less precise. When this happens, teachers move pupils on to new learning before their knowledge is secure enough. Staff are making a significant contribution to pupils’ personal development. The curriculum enables pupils to develop an understanding of, and respect for, people with different backgrounds, lifestyles and beliefs. As one pupil told us, ‘It doesn’t matter whether you are gay, straight or transgender; everyone is accepted here.’ Teachers develop pupils’ ability to consider different points of view about controversial issues such as the criminal justice system, or extremist organisations. Pupils also play a part in the school community, such as by editing the school magazine, planning events, or helping make decisions about how the school is run. Pupils appreciate the independent careers advice that they receive, and support from teachers when preparing for interviews. Sixth-form students benefit from the same personalised approach to learning as younger pupils do. Leaders ensure that students without qualifications in English and mathematics can work towards these. Teachers enable students to continue studying subjects they were learning previously. This means they do not fall behind by the time they leave the hospital. Teachers encourage students to research topics and complete pieces of extended academic writing about them. This helps prepare them for advanced level or undergraduate study. Students with specific career aspirations, such as teaching, or nursing, undertake relevant work experience. Leaders help pupils to apply for university. The school now meets all the independent school standards. It complies with schedule 10 of The Equality Act 2010. The school’s safeguarding policy is published on its website, alongside other relevant information for parents and carers. Leaders and members of the management committee have a secure understanding of the requirements of the independent school standards. They have put systems and procedures in place to check that these are being met. The proprietor has commissioned external consultants to help support this work. Leaders identify any health and safety or safeguarding concerns swiftly. They act to deal with any issues. Pupils told us that they are well looked after and feel safe at school. The proprietor and management committee meet with the headteacher regularly. They ask appropriate questions about all aspects of the school’s work. Leaders advise the proprietor and the management committee of all serious incidents or safeguarding concerns and the response to these. As a result of this work, the proprietor and management committee have a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and weaknesses. They are supporting and challenging leaders to raise standards in all aspects of the school’s work. The school has the capacity to continue to improve.