HOSPITAL school staff and pupils are celebrating after inspectors commended their journey to become outstanding.
Ofsted inspectors reaffirmed as ‘good’ the status of River Tees Multi-Academy Trust’s Hospital School but said “the evidence gathered suggests that the inspection grade might be outstanding” if a full graded inspection took place.
River Tees Hospital School helps a growing number of young people whose complex physical and mental health conditions prevent them from learning in a traditional education setting.
It currently operates onsite provision in Park Lane, Middlesbrough, which will move to Sandringham House next term, and also delivers education at James Cook University Hospital and at Acklam Road Hospital, a specialist in-patient adolescent mental health service.
It has 60 young people on roll, plus a varying number of children who are admitted to James Cook University Hospital, and aims to create an inclusive environment where pupils make accelerated academic progress while focusing on personal development and wellbeing.
Headteacher Adam Burns said: “I am immensely proud of the whole staff team whose efforts have been recognised by inspectors.
“During the two-day inspection, in which no stone was left unturned, staff and students represented the school extremely well and their dedication has been recognised and validated.
“As we continue our journey towards becoming outstanding this latest grading, and comments from the inspectors, show us that our goal is realistic and eminently achievable. As a new head I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved and we are all inspired even more to do our utmost for learners and their families.”
Inspectors highlighted that:
• Pupils, who have suffered trauma and/or significant illness, are supported to become confident individuals who have high aspirations for the future
• The school lives up to the staff mantra of ‘we change lives’
• Pupils grow academically and socially
• Through a combination of holistic therapy and a bespoke curriculum offer, pupils flourish and become enthusiastic learners, studying for qualifications such as GCSEs, and are supported to access a place in further education or employment
• Regardless of whether a pupil is part of the school due to a short-term hospital stay, or a longer-term placement, staff offer effective support.
Inspectors acknowledged that through the personal development curriculum, pupils developed a range of strategies to cope in the wider world, learning how to be the best version of themselves.
The report said: “One pupil summed this up eloquently, ‘I like myself better now. Not only have I changed, but school has also helped me realise how I need to change. I like who I am now and will continue being this person’.”
Inspectors highlighted as a strength the highly positive relationships that had been forged over time. “The care and nurture shown by staff towards pupils is exceptional,” they stated.
“Pupils learn to trust the adults and accept their guidance. They assess the gaps in pupils’ prior learning accurately and plan an ambitious bespoke curriculum so that they can catch up quickly.
“Pupils experience success and make significant progress in their studies. Those on short- term placements transition successfully back into their home school. Pupils who are in school for longer periods of time are supported to achieve nationally recognised qualifications.”
Inspectors commented on the calm, positive environment, that young people took part in a residential visit, which was a ‘notable achievement’, and that the school had excellent relationships with a variety of employers and further education provision, allowing pupils a real insight into the world of work which was highly motivational.
Morale was high among the staff who relish the challenge and rewards of working at River Tees Hospital School, inspectors noted.
Adam said: “I was thrilled that inspectors recognised our ethos and culture, of how we blend therapeutic intervention with a rich ambitious curriculum, which allows our young people to flourish and become enthusiastic learners.
“I was also delighted that they acknowledged the caring and nurturing environment created by staff for pupils and our ability to understand and appreciate their needs. The positive relationships between staff and pupils are unique, which allow our young people to grow in self-esteem and self-confidence.
“We are looking forward to the years ahead and being able to develop and expand the school across Middlesbrough and other neighbouring local authorities.”
