Family & Education
Still outstanding: Gesher 'thrilled' at new Ofsted report
'In a different league' say parents of pupils at the independent special school
October 13, 2022 09:29
'In a different league' say parents of pupils at the independent special school
October 13, 2022 09:29Gesher, the special educational school in Pinner, has retained its outstanding Ofsted status, with inspectors unstinting in their praise of its “exceptionally strong” leadership and “expert” staff.
Pupils enjoy an exciting curriculum “designed to inspire them” as well as lunchtime clubs such as drama, sports and board games, working hard and learning well as a result of high staff expectations.
Parents told inspectors that the independent school’s work was “in a different league” and “life-changing”.
When it was last inspected four years ago, Gesher had 13 children. Now it has almost quadrupled to 50 pupils aged from four to 14, with new secondary-age classes added last year when it moved to its new location.
Therapists, teachers and teaching assistants “work together seamlessly as one team” and “truly understand how to meet pupils’ varied special educational needs and/or disabilities”, Ofsted said.
The teaching of English and mathematics “is highly effective. Leaders make sure that teaching pupils to read and communicate is a priority.”
The curriculum is “highly effective" in meeting the needs of pupils with autism spectrum disorder and other SEND”, inspectors reported.
Pupils “really enjoy the practical nature of their project-based learning. This includes drama performances, gardening, creating works of art, going on trips and fundraising.”
They can access “a well-chosen range of therapies, including drama, art, speech and language and occupational. Together, the curriculum and therapies encourage pupils’ independent living skills and emotional well-being very successfully.”
Joint heads Tamaryn Yartu and Nikeisha Webb-Hardy were “thrilled and proud of the hard work and commitment that our staff has shown resulting in such a phenomenal achievement. Our students have made us very proud, and we are delighted to share in this outstanding achievement with our parents and wider community.”
They remained “resolute in ensuring that we remain a flagship school,” they said.
Founders Ali Durban and Sarah Sultman said, “What began as a small project and primary school has grown into a thriving all-through school. Under Tamaryn and Nikeisha’s stewardship the school’s innovative approach to education has taken root with students happy and flourishing.
“This recognition by Ofsted is important in cementing Gesher as an exceptional school in the community and we are truly thrilled and excited for what the future holds for our students.”