Ashmount School

Overview

Ashmount School continues to be an outstanding school, providing an "inspirational, safe and nurturing environment" where pupils thrive. Leaders maintain high ambitions for every pupil, ensuring they receive a "rich, broad learning experience" that prepares them effectively for adult life. The school is praised for its exemplary behaviour, strong sense of belonging, and highly effective staff who work collaboratively to support pupils with complex needs.

Strengths

• The curriculum is "ambitious for all pupils" and "more than mirrors the breadth of a mainstream curriculum," with careful sequencing of knowledge and skills.
• A "total communication approach" enables verbal and non-verbal pupils to interact, supported by assisted systems like Makaton and eye-driven communication.
• Academic learning is "seamlessly interwoven with therapeutic interventions," such as combining physiotherapy with physical education.
• Leaders prioritise independence and well-being, including innovative provisions like the ‘Drivedeck’ for powered chairs and comprehensive "Moving on Plans" for future life skills.
• Staff are "proud and happy," receiving "highly effective training" and feeling well-supported by leaders who are "considerate of their workload."

Areas to improve

• The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff being "very knowledgeable about the additional safeguarding vulnerabilities" of pupils and acting on concerns swiftly.