St Ann’s School, located in Hanwell, London, has been recognized as an outstanding institution following its inspection on March 28 and 29, 2023. The school caters to pupils with complex needs, including those with physical disabilities and learning difficulties. The environment is described as one where pupils feel happy and safe, and they enjoy attending school. The leadership team has effectively organized classes to ensure that pupils learn in the most suitable settings, maintaining high expectations for all students, which contributes to their impressive achievements.
The relationships between staff and pupils are notably positive, with behavior being well managed. Staff view behavior as a form of communication and respond appropriately, ensuring that all staff members receive the necessary training to maintain consistency in their approach. Communication is a central focus at St Ann’s, with various methods employed to facilitate interaction, including signs, visual symbols, and gestures. This tailored approach ensures that each pupil's communication needs are met, allowing them to express their needs and wishes effectively.
Parents and carers play an active role in their children's education, contributing to the setting of targets and participating in lessons that extend beyond the classroom. These lessons often take place in the community, helping parents feel more confident in supporting their children outside of school. The curriculum is well-designed and sequenced, allowing pupils to build on prior learning while accessing both educational and social experiences. The school emphasizes life skills, encouraging pupils to develop social skills and work collaboratively with others.
Pupils' learning targets are closely linked to their education, health, and care plans, with input from therapists and other agencies. This collaborative approach ensures that all staff are aware of the targets and can provide consistent feedback on pupil progress. The school has embedded a strong focus on literacy, incorporating various activities that enhance pre-reading skills, supported by a poet-in-residence.
Disruptions to lessons are managed effectively, allowing pupils to re-engage quickly with their learning. Over time, many pupils develop strategies to manage their own behavior. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including family events and community visits, which are planned in collaboration with parents to ensure effective support.
St Ann’s School is well-led and managed, with staff expressing pride in their work and feeling supported by leadership. The governing body plays a positive role in the school’s operations, fostering a collaborative team environment. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to report and address any concerns regarding pupil welfare promptly. The school maintains appropriate recruitment checks and systematically keeps records.
This inspection marks the first routine evaluation since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and inspectors took the pandemic's impact into account during their assessment. The school continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing a high-quality education tailored to the needs of its pupils, ensuring that they are well-prepared for their future endeavors. The overall findings affirm that St Ann’s School remains an outstanding institution, dedicated to the holistic development of its students.
