Oak Hill School, located in East Barnet, London, underwent an inspection on December 11 and 12, 2019, and was rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. This was the school's first inspection since becoming an academy special converter in May 2017. The school caters to pupils aged 11 to 16 who have social, emotional, and mental health difficulties, with many having a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. All students have an Education, Health and Care plan.
Pupils at Oak Hill School enjoy their educational experience, benefiting from strong relationships with their teachers, which are built on trust and respect. The school effectively supports the personal and educational needs of its students, enabling them to achieve well. Pupils develop practical life skills and improve their communication abilities, which enhances their social interactions. Those aged 14 to 16 are able to achieve qualifications that reflect their mastery of essential skills.
The positive behaviour of pupils is attributed to the effective support they receive from staff, which helps them overcome challenges related to their individual needs. The school has a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying, and pupils feel confident that any incidents will be addressed promptly. Parents and carers recognize the positive impact the school has on their children's attitudes towards learning and appreciate the regular communication regarding their progress.
The curriculum at Oak Hill School is engaging and ambitious, aligning with the school's motto of enjoying learning, aspiring, and achieving. Staff utilize their subject knowledge to create sequenced tasks that facilitate learning and retention of key concepts. Pupils are encouraged to make connections between their studies and real-life applications, particularly in subjects like science and mathematics. While the starting points for many pupils are below national expectations, they demonstrate significant progress in their knowledge and skills due to the strong implementation of the curriculum and effective pastoral care.
The leadership team is committed and collaborative, fostering a culture of teamwork throughout the school. Leaders are attentive to staff workload and provide support and training to enhance teaching skills. Pupils respond positively to behaviour management strategies, which include rewards for good conduct. Despite efforts to improve attendance, a small number of pupils remain frequently absent without valid reasons.
The school prioritizes the well-being and personal development of its pupils, including through their Education, Health and Care plans. Partnerships with external agencies and professional services effectively support the social and emotional well-being of students. Leaders are actively seeking additional resources to further enhance these aspects of pupil development.
Pupils engage with moral and social issues, such as the impact of knife-related crimes, and the school council plays a significant role in advocating for positive changes within the school. Celebrating diversity is an integral part of the school culture, with pupils reflecting on their own experiences and those of others.
Governance at Oak Hill School is strong, with governors providing valuable support and challenge to senior leaders. They ensure compliance with statutory obligations, including safeguarding. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff trained to recognize signs of abuse and neglect. The school maintains strong partnerships with parents and external agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of its pupils.
To improve further, the school should continue to focus on increasing attendance and reducing persistent absences. Additionally, leaders should persist in seeking further support from external agencies to enhance the social and emotional development of pupils. Overall, Oak Hill School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and effective educational environment for its students.
