Hope House School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 14 May 2024

Pupils enjoy attending the school. The staff are kind and caring. There are positive and strong relationships between staff and pupils. The pupils know that staff will look after them and keep them safe. Staff understand pupils' individual needs well. They are very aware of the difficulties pupils experience. They offer a nurturing approach to help pupils understand themselves. Staff provide 'sensory spaces' and time for pupils to regulate their emotions. This proactive approach helps pupils to manage their anxieties. As a result, few pupils resort to expressing their frustrations through outbursts. Pupils benefit from learning in a structured and calm environment that is rarely disrupted. The school has high aspirations for all pupils to fulfil their personal potential. As one comment, typical of those made by parents and carers, explains: 'My child has grown so much in the time they have been at this school. Staff support and nurture their needs so that they are happy and thriving.' The 'PRIDE' values help pupils respect the differences and similarities found in society. Pupils develop confidence and independence through well planned and varied activities. The school's outdoor environment gives pupils many opportunities to play and explore, and to take appropriate risks. Life skills lessons such as cooking prepare pupils well for adulthood.

What the school should improve

• There is an inconsistent approach to the teaching of reading. Some staff do not have the knowledge they need to support pupils who are learning to read. As a result, this is slowing the progress of pupils who are at an early stage of learning to read. The school should ensure that staff have the necessary knowledge and skills to help pupils read with accuracy and fluency.
• The targets set on each pupil's 'personal development' plan often lack precision. They do not consistently identify what success looks like for each pupil. This limits staff's ability to know how best to check that each pupil is making as much progress as they should, including when considering the outcomes stated in their EHC plans. The school should ensure that all pupils' targets have the necessary precision and focus so that staff can support pupils to achieve as well as they can.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)