Small Haven School in Ramsgate is celebrating an Outstanding grading from Ofsted with inspectors praising the “deeply caring and ambitious school.”
The independent special needs school in Newington Road for youngsters aged six to 19 was formerly graded as good.
All pupils who attend the school have an Education Health and Care Plan ( EHCP) and the majority of pupils are autistic. The school supports pupils with anxiety, attention deficit disorder, speech, language and communication needs, mild learning disability, and social, emotional and mental health needs.
Inspectors visited the school in December and noted: “The proprietor’s vision to provide life-changing learning for pupils with SEND is fulfilled every day with expertise, dedication and compassion.”
The Ofsted report highlights “consistently high and impressively met” expectations will all pupils achieving well and noting: “Relationships between pupils, and with staff, are delightful. Everyone communicates with respect and compassion, ensuring a supportive and purposeful learning atmosphere across every class.”
One pupil told inspectors: “This school welcomed me with open arms and always believes in me.”
Ofsted also praises ‘exceptional’ personal development, the ‘precise knowledge, skills and vocabulary’ in every subject and ‘impressive’ behaviour.
Opportunities for young people at the school include creating podcasts in an on-site studio, day trips, music, sport and creative arts and a mathematics programme enhanced through the school’s collaboration with a specialist hub.
The report adds: “Excellent personal development opportunities help pupils to become conscientious citizens who want to improve the world. This is achieved through a raft of thoughtful initiatives including creating Christmas packages for homeless charities.
“Visitors enrich school life and help pupils to understand moral issues. For example, pupils welcomed a visit from a refugee who inspired them to understand the plight of someone fleeing war.
“Older pupils support younger pupils as buddies. The courteous and inspirational sixth-form students are role models for others. The student council makes a tangible difference to school life. “Cookery is important across all ages, helping pupils to develop life skills. This is made possible by the proprietor’s strong investment in high-quality facilities which are accessible to all.”
The inspectors also praised the careers guidance, saying: “From Year 10 onwards, pupils attend work experience each year. By the end of sixth form, students typically earn places at college for further study. Others progress to university or employment. The school also collaborates with charities to support students with their next steps.”
Small Haven Principal Head Stacey White (pictured) said the school is ‘thrilled’ with the Ofsted findings.
She said: “Small Haven School is a small, family-owned, independent SEN school with a passion and commitment to making a meaningful difference to the lives and futures of the children, young people and families that we serve in our local community. Therefore, we are thrilled to have achieved ‘Outstanding’ in our recent Ofsted inspection.
“Small Haven School is such a close and inclusive community, built on a strong foundation of positive relationships where genuine care and mutual respect for one another enables a culture of ‘learning and growing together.’
“The well-established therapeutic culture and excellent relationships play an integral role in creating a calm, safe, and happy environment that enables our pupils to truly shine and thrive in all areas of their development. It is an absolute honour and privilege to lead such a unique and wonderful school.
“This achievement would not have been possible without the ambitious vision of our wonderful directors Mick and Marissa, and their dream to build a school with the children at the heart of every decision. I can honestly say that this vision and passion is shared by every single member of our outstanding staff team who are equally passionate about ensuring this vision is fulfilled.
“I would also like to take the opportunity to thank our wonderful parents who are so supportive of the school. Most importantly, I would like to thank our amazing pupils who never cease to amaze us with their kindness, resilience and determination.
“We are so pleased that they have finally been recognised and celebrated for the exceptional individuals that they are.”
Proprietors and directors Mick and Marissa Morgan added: “As directors, we are delighted with the outcome of the recent Ofsted inspection.
“It coincides with celebrating the school’s 20th year anniversary, so being recognised as an ‘Outstanding’ Independent School is something we are extremely proud of.
“Small Haven School has been our passion and driving force and we have been constantly evolving and will continue to keep challenging ourselves and the pupils to make even greater progress through the opportunities the school provides.
“None of this would have been possible if it were not for our amazing Principal Head, Miss White and our fabulous staff team.”
Nice to hear some positive news for a change. Keep up the good work!!
Simply wonderful!