Strong leadership and the “excellent” attitudes of pupils have helped a leading Haringey special school maintain its “good” status. The Vale School, which offers inclusive education to Haringey pupils co-located with four mainstream school sites across the borough, has been praised by Ofsted following a short inspection in September.

Inspectors commended the school’s cohesion and sense of identity and hailed the “care, guidance and support” offered to pupils as of the highest quality.

The report added: “Pupils feel safe and secure in school. They enjoy school and are happy to be there.”

The inspection found:

  • Leaders and managers are determined to ensure that each pupil achieves they best they can
  • Governors know the school well
  • Teachers plan lessons that engage and motivate pupils
  • Leaders have a clear plan for further improvement of the school
  • The school uses a range of approaches to improve the communication skills of pupils
  • School leaders maintain very close links with therapy staff
  • The school works closely with the four mainstream schools where they are co-located
  • Pupils are included in mainstream classrooms and activities whenever possible in a meaningful way that promotes their independence and extends their learning
  • Inclusion opportunities are tailored for individual pupils
  • Safeguarding for pupils is at the heart of their work
  • Pupils’ attitudes to learning are excellent

The Vale head teacher Sarah McLay said:

“We are delighted that our many strengths as a school have been recognised by Ofsted inspectors during the new short inspection. We are so proud of our children and young people and their successes. I would like to thank our hardworking staff, parents and governors.”

Cllr Ann Waters, Haringey Council Cabinet Member for Children, said:

“Huge congratulations to The Vale, which is a shining example of excellent inclusive education.

“The sense of security and happiness that pupils enjoy at The Vale comes across so well in the inspectors’ report, and is testament to the very hard work of staff, governors and students.”

Haringey Council is committed to helping all schools in the borough to be rated as good or outstanding by Ofsted.