Mapesbury School in Brent was recently visited by Ofsted - which inspected under its new framework. Inspectors found that pupils not only made positive progress from their starting points but also ‘benefit from a nurturing environment where they feel included, confident and prepared for the next stage of their education and adulthood.’
The school, which is part of Kedleston Group, supports pupils aged between 7 and 16 with Autism Spectrum Conditions and associated special educational needs (SEN). The school, inspectors found, ‘is having a positive impact on pupils’ experiences and outcomes.’
The report notes that many of the school’s pupils have had negative experiences of schooling in the past. The school, Ofsted noted, “prioritise improving attendance and supporting pupils to re-engage positively with education’, something which they succeed in doing.
There was also praise for the school’s approach to inclusion, which, they said ‘is at the heart of the school’s work’. Mapesbury School, the report concluded ‘provides a warm, supportive environment’ where ‘strong, trusting’ relationships with pupils and parents and carers are ‘prioritised’. This encourages pupils to ‘rebuild confidence and develop personal and social skills’ and, as a result, ‘pupils successfully re-engage with education.”
The school's careers programme was described by inspectors as having ‘an increasingly positive impact on preparing pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities for adulthood.’ The personalised guidance, support in making informed decisions about education, training and employment and access to meaningful work experience placements, are all helping them develop
the confidence, skills and independence required for their next steps.
Ofsted no longer uses ‘single word’ gradings for school. Under its new framework of inspection, Mapesbury School was found to be ‘expected standard’ in all areas.
Mapesbury School is a place where ‘leaders are determined that all pupils succeed’ and where there are ‘high expectations for the education and care pupils receive’.
Adam De Vecchi, Headteacher at Mapesbury School, said: “Our aim here always is to ensure every pupil feels valued, understood and capable of achieving great things.
“We are incredibly proud that Ofsted has recognised the hard work and dedication of our staff, our families and, most importantly, our pupils. Their progress, confidence and personal growth are at the heart of everything we do, and this report reflects the strong, nurturing community we have built together.”
