Dysart School, located in Surbiton, Surrey, is recognized as an outstanding institution for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. The school is part of the Orchard Hill College Academy Trust, which provides additional support and oversight. Under the leadership of Principal Leigh Edser, the school has maintained its high standards since its last inspection in 2018. The recent inspection in March 2024 confirmed that Dysart School continues to excel in providing a nurturing and supportive environment for its students.
The school is dedicated to understanding and meeting the diverse needs of its pupils, many of whom have autism and severe learning difficulties. Staff members are trained to deliver effective support tailored to individual education, health, and care plans. This commitment to personalized education has resulted in pupils frequently achieving and surpassing their set goals. The school fosters a caring atmosphere where students feel valued and safe, with staff greeting them warmly each morning.
Dysart School emphasizes the importance of personal, social, and emotional development. It provides various opportunities for pupils to express their views and explore their interests, including initiatives that involve community engagement. For instance, students have collaborated with local council representatives to improve accessibility at the train station, demonstrating their ability to advocate for themselves and others. The school also encourages older pupils to develop practical skills, such as running a community café, which enhances their confidence and independence.
The curriculum at Dysart School is designed to be ambitious and inclusive. Leaders prioritize early reading and communication, ensuring that all staff are equipped to teach phonics effectively. The school systematically assesses pupils' knowledge and adapts teaching materials to match their learning needs. For nonverbal students, alternative communication methods are employed, including the use of symbols and assistive technology. Storytime is a highlight of the day, engaging all pupils in a shared reading experience.
Dysart School offers a range of curriculum pathways tailored to the individual needs of its students, leading to meaningful qualifications and skills development. The curriculum aligns with national standards while being broken down into manageable steps to facilitate cumulative learning. Leaders take great care to understand each pupil's starting point and consider their emotional and mental health needs when planning educational strategies.
The school actively promotes regular attendance and closely monitors absences, working collaboratively with families to address any concerns. Recent changes to behavior management have resulted in a calm and orderly learning environment, where pupils are taught to recognize and communicate their emotions effectively. This proactive approach has minimized disruptions and fostered a positive atmosphere for learning.
Dysart School also places significant emphasis on the wider development of its pupils through a well-structured personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum. This curriculum is sequenced to build knowledge progressively, covering essential topics such as respect for privacy and the importance of consent. Educational visits are thoughtfully planned to provide increasing challenges, helping pupils develop practical life skills.
The school's safeguarding arrangements are robust, ensuring that pupils' welfare is prioritized. The inspection confirmed that the school has created a positive culture around safeguarding, with effective measures in place to protect students. Overall, Dysart School exemplifies excellence in special education, demonstrating a strong commitment to the holistic development of its pupils while maintaining high academic standards.
