Billinghurst school rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted

The school, part of Salutem Care and Education, provides specialist education for children with neurological motor impairments, such as cerebral palsy, alongside associated sensory and medical needs. Its unique conductive education curriculum supports pupils in achieving the best possible outcomes in both academic and personal development.

The recent Ofsted inspection highlighted the exceptional quality of care and education provided by Ingfield Manor School. Inspectors commended the school's ability to exceed the expected standards, noting: “The residential special school provides highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good. The actions of the school contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children and young people.”

It praised the individualised care offered to each child, emphasising the school’s nurturing environment. The report said: “Children’s day-to-day experiences are exceptionally positive. Staff ensure that each child receives high-quality individualised care to enable them to achieve the best possible outcomes. This approach helps children to develop their social skills and to form positive relationships with their peers.

Staff speak about children with pride, warmth and love. Staff have built excellent and effective relationships with the children. Children like the staff and enjoy spending time with them. Staff are great role models for the children and treat children with respect and dignity.”

The school’s commitment to safeguarding was also a focal point, with inspectors highlighting the strong culture of safety and protection: “Children feel safe and are kept safe by staff. Staff have a comprehensive understanding of the additional vulnerabilities of the children they care for. They receive appropriate training and implement their learning from this training in practice. There is a strong and positive safeguarding culture throughout the school. Staff work effectively with children to help them to learn how to keep themselves safe.”

Parents of pupils at Ingfield Manor also expressed their overwhelming satisfaction, as inspectors reported: “Feedback from parents is extremely positive. They say that their children love coming to the residential provision and enjoy the activities.

"They describe the communication from staff as ‘great’, especially the early morning emails, and say that it keeps them fully involved in their child’s lives. Parents also praise the staff for all the work that they do to support families.”

James Winchester, Principal at Ingfield Manor said: “This report reflects the incredible work that the Acorns residential provision provides for the children and young people they support. It also highlights the positive impact of how the school and Acorns work together to provide an outstanding experience.

“As I am new to post, the credit for this is testament to the work of Nicola Dodds, Tracey Francis and Becci Sherwood in their leadership of this. It is great that all staff in Acorns and the Ingfield Manor School have been recognised for the work they do day in day out.

“I am grateful to be in a privileged position to take the school forward from such a strong position.”

John Godden, Chief Executive of Salutem Care and Education, said: "We are incredibly proud of the team at Ingfield Manor School for this exceptional achievement. Their dedication to delivering high-quality, individualised care and education has made a profound difference in the lives of the children they support. This 'Outstanding' rating from Ofsted is a testament to their commitment to excellence."