Parayhouse School, located in Hammersmith and Fulham, London, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 20 and 21, 2024. The school caters to pupils with speech, language, and communication difficulties, as well as those with moderate to severe learning difficulties and some with autism. The school has a strong commitment to creating a supportive and nurturing environment, which is evident in the high attendance rates and the eagerness of pupils to attend school daily. The staff are described as kind and caring, effectively meeting the specific needs of each pupil and fostering their communication and social skills. This supportive atmosphere allows pupils to feel safe and confident in sharing their concerns with trusted adults.
The curriculum at Parayhouse School is broad and well-adapted to meet the diverse needs of its pupils. It integrates academic and social learning, focusing on equipping pupils with the knowledge and skills necessary for independence and successful community living. The school prepares its pupils well for post-16 specialist provisions, ensuring they leave with a solid foundation for their future. The school also emphasizes community engagement, providing opportunities for pupils, staff, governors, and parents to share experiences, such as annual visits to a specialist theme park for those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Over recent years, the school has diligently reviewed and revamped its curriculum, drawing on research and external expertise to enhance its educational offerings. Staff receive quality training to effectively teach the well-sequenced subject curriculums, and collaboration between teaching teams and therapists is strong. This teamwork ensures that pupils' starting points are assessed upon arrival, and their progress is regularly monitored against academic, social, and therapeutic targets. The school has broadened its curriculum to include vocational courses that provide functional knowledge and real-life experiences, covering essential topics such as relationships, health, and employment.
Despite the school's many strengths, there are areas identified for improvement. The review of the curriculum is ongoing, and some aspects are not yet fully established, which can affect the strength of pupils' learning in certain areas. Additionally, while the school has made significant strides in developing communication and reading skills, there remains a high priority to continue enhancing these areas for pupils who experience difficulties.
The school maintains high expectations for pupil behavior, establishing clear routines and promoting positive behavior through agreed strategies. Staff are skilled at addressing the root causes of misbehavior and providing necessary support to pupils and their families, leading to significant improvements in behavior over time. The positive attitudes of pupils contribute to a calm and purposeful school environment.
Parayhouse School offers a wide range of enrichment activities that support personal development, including community engagement projects and residential trips that provide valuable life experiences. The school also prioritizes staff well-being, ensuring that staff feel supported and valued, which in turn allows them to focus on teaching and caring for pupils.
The arrangements for safeguarding at Parayhouse School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is committed to continuous improvement, with a focus on refining and embedding recent curriculum enhancements to maximize pupil achievement across all subjects. Overall, Parayhouse School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational experience for its pupils, preparing them well for their future endeavors.
