Our High Peak School in Cheshire is celebrating a pair of “Good” inspection results with both the education and care setting being found as good in all areas recently by Ofsted. 

High Peak is a healthy, happy and safe environment that makes a positive difference.  They have high expectations of themselves and their children to reach their true potential. Through a nurturing and therapeutic approach, they enable all the children and young people to leave as successful, valued and independent people. The specialist primary and secondary school supports children with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, individuals on the autism spectrum and those with ADHD, dyspraxia and dyslexia.

The inspectors could see that ”leaders are ambitious for pupils. This is reflected in a curriculum that has a broad range of subjects…and that leaders have really considered pupils’ interests and needs in the curriculum design.” 

The children were keen to share that “learning gets better for them after they have joined the school.” This is evident with the successful outcomes achieved, as Ofsted noted “children achieve useful qualifications to support them in the next phase of their education, training or employment.” 

The health and wellbeing of the children is of utmost importance, with Ofsted commenting “pupils feel safe at High Peak School and benefit from being educated there. They enjoy warm and positive relationships with staff. Pupils said that their teachers look after them well and help them to keep safe.” 

There is a real focus on supporting children who may have been previously struggling to access education due to being absent from a learning environment for a period of time. Commenting on this Ofsted noted “Staff are skilled at helping pupils when this happens.” 

Reading and phonics are also a top priority a High Peak with Ofsted confirming, “leaders make sure that reading is a priority and have a well-organised phonics scheme in place.” 

The school boast a range of facilities both on-site and nearby locally from which the children benefit, and Ofsted could clearly see that “pupils enjoy a range of experiences beyond the classroom. During enrichment time each week, for example, there are opportunities for horse-riding or boxing.  

The school creates opportunities for personal development, developing social communication skills and building self-confidence with Ofsted commenting; “pupils can also take on a role of responsibility, such as becoming a school councillor or anti-bullying ambassador.   

What did the staff have to say? “Members of staff told inspectors that leaders support them well and are approachable. Leaders are effective at looking after staff’s well-being and helping them to manage their workload.” 

The principal, Rachel Boylan said “The Ofsted report reflects the hard work and dedication of the High Peak team.  It’s particularly satisfying to get such positive comments from the staff and children. We have exciting plans to further develop the school within the community and look forward to a positive future.” 

Read more here or get in contact on 0800 024 6985 or [email protected].