Aurora Poppyfield School receives Ofsted ‘Good’ grading
An Effingham specialist school principal has paid tribute to the huge effort put in by his staff following the publication of a positive Ofsted inspection this week.
David Thomas, Principal of Aurora Poppyfield School, in Lower Road, said the report was a vote of confidence by Ofsted in the improvements that have been made at the school during the past 12 months.
Describing the school as nurturing and inclusive, “where pupils are supported to engage with learning in a meaningful and personalised way”, Ofsted found it to be ‘good’ in all of the inspected categories:
- The quality of education: Good
- Behaviour and attitudes: Good
- Personal development: Good
- Leadership and management: Good
- Overall effectiveness: Good
The report said pupils were well supported to develop confidence and resilience and that there was a “robust emphasis on understanding each pupil's unique social, emotional and academic needs”.
Opened by former Mole Valley MP Sir Paul Beresford in March 2022, the specialist day school offers academic and therapeutic provision for students aged 11-16 with Autism and associated behavioural and communication difficulties.
Mr Thomas said he was particularly pleased that Ofsted recognized that the amount of time and care his staff had put in to building trust at the school had helped “underpin the school’s calm, respectful and purposeful environment”.
He also said his team has spent a significant amount of time reviewing the curriculum to develop a pathway model, with some young people working towards functional skills and vocational subjects and others towards GCSEs.
“We continue to broaden the academic offer year-on-year,” he added.
“If you were to ask me if Poppyfield is the finished article, I’d say no,” said Mr Thomas. “We’re on a journey and Ofsted’s report tells us that what we’re doing is the right thing and that all our hard work is having an impact.”
Head of School, Jade Nairne, said she was grateful to the teaching team and support staff for helping create what Ofsted described as a strong culture of understanding and belonging that runs throughout the school.
She added: “I’m also grateful to parents and carers who took time to share their views of the school with Ofsted, and to the students for the wonderful way they represented themselves and us.”