A North London special school that “enables every pupil to flourish” has kept up the standards that earned it Ofsted’s top rating. There is a keen focus on preparing students for their next steps in life, where they have the opportunity to work in the school café by taking orders, preparing food and waiting on tables.
Although the education watchdog no longer gives single-word ratings, inspectors visited Manor School in Brent for a graded inspection on May 13 and 14. Instead of being given an overall effectiveness grade, it was judged on its quality of education; behaviour and attitudes; personal development; and leadership. Ofsted found that the school had maintained the standards that earned it an ‘outstanding’ rating at its previous inspections in 2017 and 2020.
In the report, inspectors described the education students get as helping to foster “confidence, independence and communication”, which enables them to meet the “ambitious expectations” set by staff. Pupils are “kept safe and treated with dignity” in an environment that allows every pupil “to flourish”.
Part of The Rise Partnership Trust since 2017, the mixed special primary school has 204 pupils on the roll from ages four to 11. Most of the pupils have been diagnosed as having autism, whilst a smaller proportion of pupils have moderate and severe learning difficulties.
Pupils are exposed to a range of enriching activities so they can “discover and develop” their interests and talents through both the formal curriculum and the extensive range of visits, clubs and workshops on offer, according to the report. The ‘Magic Breakfast Club’ is designed to develop their social skills by encouraging them to “make choices, share, take turns, learn how to say no, and acquire a healthy attitude to eating”.
The curriculum focuses on developing students’ confidence, independence and communication, whilst also participating in “memorable experiences to embed their learning”. They use their numeracy and writing skills to plan a shopping trip, apply reading skills to plan visits to a zoo, and take part in activities such as building habitats for insects to reinforce their scientific knowledge.
Pupils are also given opportunities to prepare them for the next stage of life through working in the school café where they take orders, prepare food, and wait on tables. They are encouraged to explore other ways of enriching their lives “beyond the classroom” through performing in the choir, visiting museums, and playing a range of sports. They get further experiences in dance, theatre, and animal interactions via workshops and visitors.
Inspectors highlighted student behaviour as “excellent”, with staff able to use a range of effective strategies to ensure they are calm, more motivated, and ready to learn when they do struggle to focus. Over time pupils are said to make “significant progress” in how they learn to recognise and manage their feelings.
Teachers, support staff, and the therapy team make sure learning is adapted to pupils’ needs meaning they achieve “exceptionally well”. Decision making is described as “in the best interest of pupils. Staff told inspectors they are “extremely happy and proud” to work at the school, whilst the expertise of the leadership is “very much appreciated” by parents.
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Manor School Headteacher, Steven Thompson, said: “I am incredibly proud that Ofsted has recognised the exceptional work taking place at Manor School. This outcome reflects the dedication of our brilliant staff, the enthusiasm of our pupils, and the unwavering support of our families.
“At the heart of our work is a deep belief that every child can achieve great things. I’m pleased that the report captures the spirit and ambition of our school community, and I’d like to send a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved.”
Grant Williams is a journalist and Local Democracy Reporter (LDR) for Reach PLC, reporting on local government, politics and community issues across London. As part of the Local Democracy Reporting Service, he has contributed to Harrow Online, covering council decisions, housing developments, transport, planning matters and stories affecting local communities across Harrow and Brent.
