Hurworth House School in Darlington, County Durham, has been rated as ‘Good’ overall and ‘Outstanding’ in the assessment categories ‘Behaviour and attitudes’ and ‘Personal development’ by Ofsted.
In the recent report, inspectors said: “Staff put pupils’ welfare and personal development at the heart of every day. This is a strength of the school and, in turn, supports pupils in managing their own behaviour.”
The inspectors went on to say: “Staff have developed links with local businesses, such as a local café, to help pupils develop life skills and to take part in work experience. The majority (99%) of pupils who leave this school carry on to further education or join apprenticeship schemes. This is a magnificent achievement for these pupils, most of whom have been persistent non-attendees at their previous school.” And: “All staff intend that pupils will leave the school having greater self-worth, greater knowledge and greater aspirations for what they can achieve. They achieve this well.”
The inspectors also praised the curriculum and relationships at Hurworth House School: “Staff have ensured that the planned curriculum and the relationships they build with pupils enable pupils to return to learning. Staff give pupils the opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge to develop personal and emotional skills so that they become valuable British citizens."
The pupils at Hurworth House School also spoke with the inspectors: “Pupils confidently spoke to inspectors, telling them about their aspirations and how they now value the education they are receiving.”
Hurworth House School is part of Aspris Children’s Services and is located in the village of Hurworth near Darlington in County Durham. The school provides specialist educational, vocational, therapeutic and care services to children and young people aged 5-19 years with a range of needs. This includes social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, backgrounds of trauma, attachment difficulties and an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD).
Claire Blackett, Head Teacher at Hurworth House School, said: “It is a privilege to lead such a committed staff team. We are also delighted to receive ‘Outstanding’ in two of the assessment categories by Ofsted. I want to take this opportunity to thank my staff team for their hard work and for doing a brilliant job in helping young people to make such positive progress. I also want to pass on a massive thanks to our young people and their parents/guardians for working so closely with us to make this such a great school community.”