Special school is 'outstanding' (From Haringey Independent)

Special school is 'outstanding'

11:03am Thursday 12th March 2009 in Education By Elizabeth Pears

A Tottenham school which "champions the profile of pupils with complex learning disabilities across the world" is an 'oustanding' school.

Oftsed inspectors who visited William C Harvey, in Adams Road, a school for young people with profound and multiple learning difficulties, had nothing but praise for the small school.

The report noted: "Its vision that 'the school should be full of laughter, light and enthusiasm' has an extremely positive impact on pupils' achievements and their personal development, both of which are excellent.

"The outstanding curriculum is a key feature in the school's success. Staff work with other professionals, including therapists, health professionals and the wider community, to create a comprehensive range of exciting and purposeful learning activities."

Inspectors praised teachers for their careful planning and ability to focus on pupil's individual needs.

The school focuses on the development of communication and language skills which helped pupils in all other areas of learning, the report added.

Headteacher Margaret Sumner said: "Pupils, staff, governors and parents are all absolutely delighted with this endorsement of our school by Ofsted.

"We're particularly pleased that Ofsted inspectors have recognised the efforts we put into providing a curriculum which offers learning focussed on the needs of each individual pupil and which also reflects their different cultural backgrounds."

Ms Sumner added that by 2012, the school of just 49 pupils, aged between 3-16, hoped to expand to become one of two specialist campuses.

Councillor Lorna Reith, cabinet member for children and young people, said everyone at the school deserved "enormous credit" for their hard work.