Ofsted awards “remarkable” school ‘Oustanding’
A West Berkshire special needs school has received an unprecedented ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted award after being open for just one year with its impact on children deemed as “remarkable”.
Haywards Farm School is for children unable to go into mainstream education because of their extreme specialist needs. It delivers a unique and exceptional learning environment for children aged six to 14 with a range of learning needs such as Autism and ADHD.
The school in Theale is run by Amegreen Children’s Services which also provides children’s homes across Hampshire and Berkshire. It was awarded Outstanding in all four assessment categories – the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.
Haywards Farm School currently holds a registration for 32 pupils and was opened in the autumn of 2023 in direct response to the government’s SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan, to combat the shortage of specialist schools and to set new national standards.
The Ofsted Report particularly highlighted that pupils “thrive” at the school. It said: “For many pupils, the school provides a fresh start and vital route back into full time education. Pupils’ self-esteem and confidence are carefully nurtured by dedicated staff. The impact of the school’s work on pupils’ social and academic outcomes is remarkable.
“The school’s high expectations are known by everyone. From the moment pupils arrive, staff build strong, caring and trusting relationships with pupils. This helps pupils to flourish. Staff are relentless in their determination to ensure that pupils have the knowledge they need to be well prepared for their next stage of education.”
Alex Walsh, Headteacher at Haywards Farm School, said: “To be the Headteacher of such a forward-thinking, nurturing therapeutic primary school is a real privilege.
“We're incredibly proud of all we've achieved since opening a year ago and how much we've grown. For this to be recognised with an ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted so quickly is unprecedented and is fantastic recognition for everyone’s hard work and total dedication.
“We aim to give our children a nurturing environment where we deliver the highest level of education built upon with enriched experience which promotes a lifelong love of learning, in conjunction with embedding a tailored personal development programme which is supported by Amegreen Equine therapy centre Stable Futures where all of Haywards Farm Schools pupils attend.”
Jamie and mum Gavina
Jamie, now aged 11, has been struggling his whole life. As a baby he didn’t like to be held and found it difficult to socialise and express his feelings.
When he went to nursery, Gavina was told that her child was naughty, different from other children and extremely disruptive. By the time he reached primary school the real nightmare started.
His hyperactivity and inability to socialise with other children left teachers unable to teach him within a mainstream classroom setting.
Both he and his mum were told he was a “bad boy”. By the time he was six he was being left in a small box room on his own and being watched over by a school manager. He couldn’t play outside with the other pupils and he was deeply unhappy.
Eventually he was diagnosed with ADHD and autism and some Senco provision was made for him.
Gavina said: “Our lives were a nightmare. No-one understood Jamie and he was segregated from the other children and told he was just a bad boy. It was heartbreaking. But when Jamie told me he wanted to die because no-one wanted him and he had no friends, I knew we had to take him out of mainstream education.”
Jamie and Gavina were told about a new school that was opening. When they both visited Haywards Farm they both knew instantly that it was the right place for Jamie.
“His face just lit up. He felt safe and understood. It was like a miracle. When we were told that the Local Authority would fund his place, we couldn’t believe it. It was the best day of our lives.
“The school has been life-changing for Jamie and us as a family. He is thriving educationally and socially. The teachers are incredibly positive and they understand each and every child. I know that he will still have his struggles, but he is happy. He must be the only child that is upset when the weekend comes because he can’t go to school!”
Marshall and mum Tara
At just 11 years-old, Marshall is at his third primary school.
Watching him interact with other children and the teachers, it’s hard to believe the bright, happy and chatty boy could have so many complex issues. But he does, including ADHD and possibly Autism.
His mum Tara explained that in 2023 his second mainstream primary school could not meet his needs or his challenging behaviour in the classroom.
So much so that he couldn’t be around other children and was separated from his peers. He wasn’t progressing academically.
But now he skips into school every morning, plays with his friends and hugs the teachers.
Tara said: “Words can’t escribe what this school has done for my little boy. We thought we had lost him and now he is thriving. As a mum knowing that when I take him to school he’s going to feel safe, loved and happy is everything. They just totally get him. The knowledge, time and effort from staff has been outstanding.”
Marshall said: “This is the best school ever! I love it here. I really like everyone and feel like people understand me. I also love riding the horses at the stables, I’ve got two badges already!”