Specialist school near Banbury awarded 22nd consecutive ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating
A specialist school near Banbury for autistic boys has been given its 22nd consecutive ‘Outstanding’ rating from Ofsted.
Swalcliffe Park School has received top marks by the school's regulator every year since 2011.
This time, the school, which is both a residential and day school for pupils, was praised for its “homely and comfortable environment”.
Ofsted inspectors visited the school on January 12, 13 and 14 this year to inspect the social care provision at this school.
Following the visit, they said: “The residential special school provides highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good.
“The actions of the school contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children and young people.”
The school was also praised for its "exceptionally strong leadership, research-informed practice and integrated care".
Inspectors also noted that pupils staying in the residential provision developed “a strong sense of belonging, community and camaraderie".
At the time of the inspection, there were 75 students attending the school with 19 students staying in the residential provision.
In addition to being autistic, many of the pupils also have conditions including ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and language impairment.
Swalcliffe Park chief executive officer Kiran Hingorani said: “I’m acutely aware that it’s a huge decision for parents to move their children to a residential school.
“But for many years now we have consistently shown that our school provides a happy, caring and nurturing environment that produces life-changing outcomes for our boys. They thrive by living here and Ofsted has recognised that in their latest report.
“In addition, of course, by boarding here the boys’ families can benefit with some much-needed respite from caring for children whose complex needs can be challenging.”
Over the past three years, the school’s senior leadership team has shared their expertise as well as data from the school’s research projects in countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Poland, Ireland, the Czech Republic and Australia.
The school’s principal, Rob Piner, said: “Naturally we are delighted to maintain our track record of 22 outstanding inspections. Everyone who works here is important and played their part in what is a great achievement.”
Ofsted inspectors produce up to two reports a year for Swalcliffe Park School because it is both a residential and day school for autistic boys with complex needs aged ten to 19.
To read the full Ofsted report, visit: https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50296359