Oliver House School in Chorley, part of Aspris Children's Services, has been praised by Ofsted for the standards of its teaching, in its first inspection since 2009.
Oliver House has been rated as "Good" in all areas, and "Outstanding" in the provision for the welfare, health and safety of pupils following its first inspection since joining Aspris Children's Services.
Following a planned series of investments in the premises, a new Principal and a number of developments in the curriculum, Ofsted have recognised that "The school has improved very significantly since the last inspection."
Oliver House is registered for up to 40 students on either a day or residential basis, aged from six to 19 years who have complex needs including autism and moderate or severe special educational needs. The report noted that "Achievement is good. Considering their starting points and wide-ranging needs, pupils achieve well and make good progress as a result of good teaching."
After observing a number of teachers, meeting with the Principal, head of education, administrators, heads of departments, teachers and therapists; the inspector also held informal discussions with pupils and received feedback from parents and carers. The parent/carer feedback was really positive with the report stating that, "One parent/carer asserted that with regard to her child ‘for the first time ever, she has a well-balanced and positive attitude towards school life!"
The report also highlighted a wide range of truly positive statements, including;
- As a result of well-considered lessons combined with group work and individual attention, pupils achieve well and make good progress
- Pupils are well prepared for their futures as they develop their literacy, numeracy and communication skills
- One parent/carer commented that ‘The school and staff have changed the lives of both our daughter and her family!’
- Leadership and management are good. Senior managers communicate high expectations to staff. As a result, teaching is consistently good; pupils achieve well and make good progress in their learning.
Wendy Sparling, Operations Director said: “I am extremely proud of everyone involved in the education and care we provide at Oliver House. The positive report is testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff, and the engagement of the pupils and their families and carers, and highlights how far we have come in the last few years.
“To achieve the most positive outcomes possible for our children and young people is at the heart of everything we do and to receive independent verification of the school from Ofsted is incredibly rewarding.
“However, we will not rest on our laurels, and are continuing to look for innovative ways to enhance our provision even further.”
For more details on Aspris Children's Services, please call 0118 970 8068 or click here to make an enquiry.