Grange Park School

Overview

Grange Park School is described as “expert in understanding and meeting the needs of pupils with autism spectrum disorder,” providing an “exceptionally calm and orderly environment.” The report highlights that pupils demonstrate “exceptional levels of self-control” and benefit from a “transformative” personal development programme that fosters independence and confidence.

Strengths

• Staff possess an “in-depth understanding of the needs of each pupil,” ensuring every aspect of the environment meets individual requirements.
• Pupils engage fully with a “highly ambitious” curriculum and a “very strong careers programme” that prepares them well for future steps.
• The school’s personal development programme helps pupils build a “personal toolkit” for social communication and emotional regulation.
• Behaviour is “exceptionally positive,” with pupils showing strong intrinsic motivation and commitment to their education.
• The sixth-form provision is praised for building on key stage 4 achievements “very carefully and effectively.”

Areas to improve

• The school must develop “sufficient expertise in the teaching of phonics and reading” to ensure support is precise and enables every pupil to learn to read effectively.
• Gaps in pupils’ “phonological knowledge and understanding” are not systematically identified or addressed, limiting some pupils’ access to the curriculum.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”