Fern House School, located at Chesterfield Primary School in Enfield, has been evaluated positively in its recent inspection, achieving an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on March 9 and 10, 2022, and the school is recognized for its ambitious and personalized curriculum designed to meet the diverse needs of its pupils. Leaders and staff collaborate effectively to help students overcome barriers to learning, setting high expectations for behavior and fostering a supportive environment. The school excels in promoting personal development, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for adult life.
The teaching, therapeutic, well-being, and safeguarding teams work seamlessly together, creating a safe and nurturing atmosphere where pupils feel cared for and supported. Staff are adept at addressing pupils' concerns and anxieties, which helps build their confidence and academic success. Clear routines are established, and staff assist pupils in managing their emotions, contributing to a positive behavior culture. Allegations of bullying are taken seriously, with staff working collaboratively to resolve issues and encourage reflection on actions.
Pupils benefit from a wide range of enrichment activities, including team sports, canoeing, horse riding, music, and art therapies. Staff often go above and beyond, such as organizing weekend bicycle rides for pupils. The school aims to help pupils overcome difficulties to achieve well across all subjects, with a strong focus on understanding individual needs. Upon joining the school, pupils undergo assessments to tailor the curriculum to their well-being and academic requirements. This holistic approach supports pupils in developing resilience, communication, and social skills, while also addressing knowledge gaps.
Reading is prioritized, with a structured phonics scheme in place to support pupils who may struggle with fluency. Daily reading sessions and regular interactions with adults foster a love for reading, enabling pupils to enjoy literature and develop their skills. Leaders have carefully considered the knowledge pupils should acquire across subjects, ensuring that learning is sequenced effectively. This approach allows pupils to build on prior knowledge and make connections between different subjects.
While the school demonstrates strong practices, there are areas for improvement. In some subjects, leaders and teachers need to deepen their understanding of key subject-specific concepts to enhance teaching quality. Additionally, there is a need for clearer progression in subject content from key stage one to key stage two, ensuring that teaching builds systematically on prior learning. Leaders are encouraged to clarify expectations for pupils' learning progression over time.
The school provides a comprehensive program of careers education, advice, and guidance for secondary pupils, offering various pathways to meet their aspirations. Work experience opportunities are arranged with local businesses, and all pupils transition into post-16 education, pursuing college courses in diverse fields. The extensive range of enrichment activities contributes significantly to pupils' personal development, fostering engagement in charitable events and workshops on important social issues.
Leaders prioritize staff welfare, providing support and reducing workload where possible. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to identify risks and report concerns promptly. The curriculum includes opportunities for pupils to learn about safety and risks, ensuring they are well-informed. Overall, Fern House School is committed to providing a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils, preparing them for future success.
