Pupils at Park House School in Wandsworth were described as making major improvements in behaviour, regulation and family life
A South London specialist school has been praised by inspectors for transforming autistic children’s lives. Ofsted said leaders of Park House School, in Wandsworth, had an “exceptionally effective approach” to inclusion which allowed each pupil to thrive.
A new Ofsted report said pupils at the independent school, run by charity BeyondAutism, benefitted from highly personalised support helping them learn how to manage emotions, communicate and become resilient. Pupils were described as safe, happy and well cared for, while parents praised the school for improving their child’s communication, reducing anxiety and helping family life become calmer.
The school was rated ‘exceptional’ for inclusion, following an inspection on June 2, and met ‘strong standards’ for achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, leadership and personal development and wellbeing.
Headteacher Matthew Le Blanc said: “This recognition reflects what our pupils, families and staff have worked together to achieve every day. At Park House School, our commitment is simple: included, not excluded.
“We are proud that Ofsted recognised our approach to inclusion and, more importantly, the outcomes it creates for our learners. We hope this helps shift the conversation to the possibilities that emerge when barriers are removed.”
The report said pupils who previously struggled in education improved their independence, communication and engagement at the school, along with their confidence and resilience as learners. They made particular progress in communication and self-regulation, it said, learning how to use electronic devices to communicate, follow routines and engage socially with others.
Staff were praised for having a deep understanding of pupils’ needs and helping those who arrived with limited communication develop ways of expressing themselves.
The report said staff also managed behaviour very well, understanding it as communication and responding calmly, resulting in pupils better engaging with teaching, tolerating change and getting involved in school life. They were found to help students regulate their emotions and return to learning after becoming anxious or distressed.
Inspectors said the school had an ambitious curriculum, while staff adapted programmes when progress slowed or students needed more challenge. They found leaders provided clear direction for the school and regular monitoring, with a strong shared commitment to meeting pupils’ needs with personalised provision.
The report said: “The impact of this work is transformational for many pupils and families. For example, pupils who previously struggled to access education develop the ability to learn in groups, communicate functionally and access community activities successfully. Parents and carers describe substantial improvements in behaviour, regulation and family life.”
It added: “In some cases, pupils who previously struggled to tolerate others increasingly participate alongside peers, access group learning and engage in community activities. Movement around the school is calm and purposeful, reflecting the consistency of staff support and pupils’ growing confidence and security.”
The school has space for up to 56 autistic students aged between four and 11 years old, and accepts pupils from 16 London boroughs. It had 53 pupils at the time of the inspection.
Tracie Linehan, CEO of BeyondAutism said: “This is more than a success for Park House School. It is an example of what genuinely inclusive education can achieve.
“At a time when too many autistic children struggle to access education that meets their needs, this recognition shows that inclusion and excellence go hand in hand.
“Our vision is for a world where every autistic learner belongs, succeeds, shapes their own future and where autistic learners are included, not excluded. This report demonstrates what is possible when that commitment is embedded throughout a school.”
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