Fern House School

Overview

Fern House School provides a nurturing and inclusive environment for pupils with special educational needs, particularly those with social, emotional, and mental health needs. The report highlights a "strong standard" in inclusion and leadership, with staff praised for their dedication and the school’s commitment to pupil wellbeing. While most areas meet the "expected standard," the school is noted for its calm atmosphere and effective support for pupils’ personal development.

Strengths

• Inclusion is rated at a "strong standard," with pupils’ needs "swiftly and accurately identified" and strategies "precise and refined."
• Leadership and governance are "strong," with leaders and governors working "tirelessly to put pupils’ interests first" and holding each other to account.
• Staff are "proud to work at the school" and feel valued, benefiting from "excellent professional learning opportunities."
• Parents and carers "speak warmly of the care given" and are confident that their children’s needs are met.
• Pastoral care is a "strength," with staff trained to build positive relationships and provide additional therapies like play therapy.

Areas to improve

• Teachers should check pupils’ knowledge with "further precision" to address gaps and encourage "growing independence."
• Leaders should "strengthen the breadth of qualifications and awards" to widen pupils’ choices for their next steps.
• Staff should more consistently draw links between reading and writing skills, as pupils do not always apply phonics learning to spelling.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.