Russet House School, located in Enfield, is a community special primary school catering for pupils aged 3 to 11, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder. The school has undergone recent inspections, with the latest evaluation taking place in May 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, maintaining a high standard of education and care for its students. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good, reflecting the commitment of the staff and leadership to provide a supportive learning environment.
Pupils at Russet House School are described as happy and thriving, attending regularly and learning in a calm atmosphere where they feel safe and secure. The staff are dedicated to the well-being of the students, fostering a culture of care and support. The school has established strong relationships with parents and carers, who express positive sentiments about the school and its impact on their children’s lives. The curriculum is tailored to meet the diverse needs of the pupils, ensuring that individual educational, social, and communication needs are addressed effectively.
The school emphasizes the importance of communication and social skills, providing pupils with opportunities to practice these skills in real-life situations. Leaders have implemented a variety of activities and experiences to enhance learning, including educational visits to local facilities. The curriculum is designed to be inclusive, taking into account the special educational needs and disabilities of the pupils. Subject leaders are knowledgeable and provide support to staff, ensuring that the curriculum builds on prior knowledge and skills.
Despite the strengths of the school, there are areas identified for improvement. The curriculum in some subjects lacks clarity in terms of the key knowledge and content that pupils need to learn. This gap can hinder the progression of pupils' understanding over time. Additionally, while the school has prioritized the development of communication and reading skills, there are concerns regarding the systematic teaching of phonics for those pupils ready to learn. Leaders are aware of these challenges and are actively working to address them.
The school has established effective safeguarding arrangements, with leaders and staff well-trained to recognize and respond to the needs of pupils. The curriculum includes components that teach pupils how to stay safe in various situations, including online safety. Pupils are aware of whom to approach with concerns, and they trust that their issues will be taken seriously.
The leadership team, including governors, is knowledgeable about the needs of both pupils and staff, ensuring that the well-being of all is prioritized. Staff feel supported, and there are established systems for accountability regarding the quality of education provided. The school is committed to continuous improvement, with leaders actively reviewing and refining the curriculum to enhance educational outcomes for all pupils.
In summary, Russet House School is a supportive and effective educational environment for pupils with special educational needs. While the school has received a good rating overall, there are ongoing efforts to enhance the curriculum and teaching practices to ensure that all pupils achieve their full potential. The commitment of the staff and leadership to the well-being and development of the pupils is evident, creating a positive atmosphere conducive to learning and personal growth.
