Sutherland House School, located in Nottingham, continues to be recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 7 and 8, 2023. The school provides a supportive and engaging environment where pupils express enjoyment in attending and learning. They report feeling happy and safe, trusting the staff to assist them. The curriculum is designed to be broad, focusing on effective communication, which is essential for the pupils, many of whom are on the autism spectrum. Teachers employ various methods, including visual aids and phonics, to facilitate learning and ensure that pupils feel their opinions and choices are valued.
Pupils demonstrate good behavior and a desire to learn, with staff adeptly managing their needs, particularly in distinguishing between unkind behavior and actions related to autism. The school environment is largely free from bullying, and pupils are encouraged to participate in shaping their classroom settings. Additionally, the school offers enriching experiences outside of traditional lessons, such as mindfulness and yoga sessions, as well as trips to local attractions, enhancing their educational experience.
The school excels in its communication strategies, with each pupil having an individual communication plan. Collaboration with speech and language therapists ensures that pupils develop their communication skills effectively. The recent addition of a new library has expanded resources, providing a variety of texts that cater to different reading levels and interests. However, while some lessons allow for reading longer texts, this practice is not consistently applied across all subjects.
Sutherland House School has developed a well-structured curriculum tailored for pupils with autism spectrum disorder, offering three distinct pathways to accommodate varying levels of communication and learning readiness. The curriculum encompasses essential subjects such as English, mathematics, and science, ensuring a balanced educational experience. Teachers effectively build on prior knowledge, although there is a need for clearer identification of key knowledge that pupils should retain across all subjects.
Assessment methods are adapted to meet the diverse needs of pupils, with feedback provided in a manner that supports their understanding and improvement. Despite the overall positive environment, there are areas for growth, particularly in ensuring consistent application of assessment tools and strategies across the school.
The school promotes broader development through various extracurricular activities and personal development opportunities. However, some aspects of personal development require more thorough planning to ensure that all pupils receive the support they need to thrive. Leadership within the school is strong, with effective communication and support for staff, contributing to a positive workplace culture.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with a knowledgeable and dedicated safeguarding lead ensuring that staff are well-trained to identify and respond to potential concerns. The school collaborates effectively with external agencies to safeguard pupils, taking appropriate action when necessary.
To enhance its effectiveness, the school should focus on clearly defining the essential knowledge that pupils need to remember across all subjects and improving the coherence of personal development opportunities. By addressing these areas, Sutherland House School can continue to provide an excellent educational experience for its pupils, ensuring they reach their full potential.
