The Rise Free School, located in Feltham, Middlesex, is a special school catering for pupils aged four to nineteen, specifically designed for those with autism. The school is part of the Ambitious About Autism Schools Trust, which provides oversight and support through a board of trustees. The recent inspection conducted on July 9 and 10, 2024, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good, with specific areas such as personal development and sixth-form provision receiving an outstanding rating.
Under the leadership of Karen Oliver as the head of school and Andrew Nowak as the executive headteacher, the school has made significant strides in improving the quality of education and pupil behavior. The curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to build their knowledge progressively. Teachers are generally effective in checking pupils' understanding and addressing misconceptions, although there are instances where this is not consistently applied across all lessons. The school has implemented a systematic approach to teaching phonics, ensuring that pupils read books that match their phonetic knowledge. However, there are gaps in the mapping of core reading skills beyond phonics, which can hinder some pupils' comprehension.
The school takes bullying seriously, with personalized mentoring in place for those struggling to maintain peer relationships. This proactive approach has led to a decrease in bullying incidents. Pupils are also provided with various career exploration opportunities, including caring for school pets and visiting workplaces, which helps them develop practical skills and interests.
In the sixth form, students have access to a wide range of vocational courses offered by a local college, preparing them for future employment or further education. The school emphasizes the importance of personal, social, and health education, equipping pupils with essential life skills such as budgeting and managing personal finances. The PSHE curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of the pupils, promoting mental and physical well-being through activities like mindfulness and yoga.
Despite the school's strengths, there are areas for improvement. The inspection highlighted the need for all teachers to consistently check pupils' understanding and recall across subjects to identify and address gaps in knowledge. Additionally, the reading curriculum requires further development to ensure that all staff are equipped to support weaker readers effectively. This will help pupils develop their reading skills more swiftly and access learning independently.
The school has a strong focus on preparing pupils for adulthood, offering a variety of activities that foster resilience, confidence, and independence. The therapeutic team collaborates closely with staff to create personalized support plans, ensuring that each pupil's unique needs are met. This approach has fostered a positive environment where pupils feel supported in managing their emotional and behavioral challenges.
Overall, The Rise Free School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education for pupils with autism. The leadership team is dedicated to continuous improvement, and the school has established a nurturing environment that prioritizes the well-being and development of its pupils. With ongoing efforts to enhance teaching practices and support for reading, the school is well-positioned to further its mission of empowering students to become independent adults.
