A North London special needs school described as “warm and nurturing” has kept up the standards that earned it Ofsted’s top rating. Teachers were praised for effectively adapting their lessons for those at different levels, meaning pupils are ‘very well prepared’ for the next steps.
Although the education watchdog no longer gives single-word ratings, inspectors who visited Alexandra School in South Harrow for an ungraded inspection on April 1 and 2 said it had taken “effective action” to maintain the standards that earned it an ‘outstanding’ grade at its previous inspection in 2019.
In the report, published on May 16, inspectors described the education students get as “of exceptional quality” as they are provided with a “highly ambitious, broad and interesting curriculum”. The school “works effectively” with external therapists and health experts to identify individual pupil targets that “maximise learning”. These align with outcomes outlined in their education, health and care (EHC) plans.
Inspectors highlighted pupils’ “exemplary behaviour”, with the leadership working closely with families to help students identify and manage their emotions so they “meet challenges with increasing resilience”.
The report states: “The school carefully identifies the root cause for any negative behaviours. For example, it will consider whether pupils’ behaviour may be affected by frustration due to communication or sensory needs, or any previous negative experiences.”
Part of the Eden Academy Trust since 2013, the mixed primary school has 82 pupils on the roll from ages four to 11. The students are taken on visits to museums, parks, art centres, and places of worship, as well as participating in activities such as swimming and cycling in order to “develop their confidence and understanding of the world”. They are also taught about healthy eating, the importance of exercise and how to identify risks online.
The school has “rightly prioritised reading, communication and language”, with pupils learning to express their thoughts and opinions effectively through a range of methods, including reading, writing, symbols and signing. Alexandra School was approached for comment but did not respond ahead of publication.
The report adds: “Alexandra School is an extremely warm and nurturing community for pupils, staff, parents and carers. The analogy of geese moving together captures and communicates this ethos beautifully and is extended to classes being named after different breeds of geese. This community keeps its pupils safe and happy. Pupils are confident, friendly and independent.”
As of last year, schools no longer receive single-word judgements by Ofsted. Instead, the education watchdog carries out ungraded inspections in order to check standards are being maintained and fresh graded inspections are held in cases where inspectors feel they have either risen or fallen.
Alexandra School has consistently maintained the highest standards now for nearly a decade.
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