Ancora House School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 May 2023

Pupils who attend Ancora House School currently experience significant mental and physical health challenges. The vast majority of pupils have had considerable amounts of time out of mainstream education. In this school, pupils receive the care, kindness, support and nurture that they need to allow them to heal and build their trust and confidence in education again. Parents and carers could not praise the school enough. They said that the school has given their children hope and a belief in their future. They also reported that the school has changed their children's lives. The calm, happy and friendly atmosphere in the school is infectious. Pupils feel safe. They are accepted for who they are, and they have the time and space to begin to make the small steps of progress towards recovery. Every tiny improvement is celebrated and recognised. Over time, pupils reach leaders' high aspirations for their achievement. They make considerable improvements in their academic achievement and personal development. Staff are very sensitive to the emotional, mental health and personal needs of pupils. They know pupils very well, and they work closely with clinical staff and parents to keep pupils safe. The positive and respectful school culture ensures that pupils behave well. However, sometimes pupils do fall out. When this happens, staff support pupils sensitively to ensure that any bullying or disagreements are resolved successfully. Staff also support pupils to understand and accept different opinions.

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