Park School Teaching Service

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 5 November 2024

Pupils attending this school have often faced considerable difficulties and disruption to their learning. Some are too unwell to attend a mainstream school. All pupils have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). When they join Park School, they begin to put their previous educational experiences behind them. Pupils overwhelmingly recognise the positive impact that the school has on them. One parent, reflecting the views of many, described the school's provision as a 'lifeline'. The school welcomes pupils into a safe and nurturing environment. Pupils build trusting relationships with staff. They behave respectfully and learn to celebrate each other's differences. This helps pupils to regain their self-confidence. The school is determined for all pupils to achieve. From typically low starting points, pupils build up their attendance and develop a more positive outlook on school. Over time, they successfully overcome their barriers to learning and rise to meet the school's high expectations. Almost all pupils leave the school with the qualifications and skills that they need to successfully move on to college, training or employment. The school ensures that pupils benefit from a wide range of life experiences. This includes learning how to administer first aid and volunteering in the local community.

What the school should improve

• Some pupils' prior educational experiences have left large gaps in their knowledge. At times, staff do not use assessment information well enough to address these gaps. This makes it harder for pupils to build their understanding cumulatively. The school should ensure that staff use assessment information successfully to remedy any missed or forgotten learning so that pupils' knowledge gaps begin to close.

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