Surrey SEN school's Ofsted success
A SURREY special educational needs school which supports children to ‘blossom as individuals’ is celebrating its latest Ofsted report which graded it as good with outstanding features.
Fernways School, in Windlesham, is part of Kedleston Group. In their latest report, inspectors described the school, which supports 50 pupils, as a “happy and harmonious school with strong and shared values of creativity, community and confidence”.
They praised staff’s ‘expert’ ability to swiftly build positive relationships with pupils, who as a result, ‘blossom as individuals’. Pupils, they said, ‘delight in coming to school’ and that their behaviour and attitudes to learning are ‘exceptionally positive’.
The school was found to be outstanding in the area of behaviour and attitudes, and good in all other areas of inspection.
Noting that before coming to Fernways, families’ previous experience of school has ‘often been negative and pupils’ education disrupted by absences’, inspectors praised staff for going ‘the extra mile’ to ensure that any barriers to education are addressed quickly. Pupils and their families, the inspectors found, ‘appreciate the difference this school makes to their children’s lives’.
The school’s approach to learning was also praised with inspectors noting: “The school offers a raft of trips, visits and clubs which are open to all pupils. They help nurture pupils’ interests and talents and help develop confidence and independence. Pupils clearly enjoy this aspect of school life.”
Headteacher Nikeisha Webb-Hardy said: “We are extremely proud of the progress our pupils make at Fernways and we’re thrilled that their hard work, and that of the staff team, have been recognised by Ofsted in this way. It is a privilege to support our pupils and their families and we’re delighted that attending Fernways is having an outstanding and positive impact on their lives.”