Ofsted hails Ellesmere Port school as Outstanding once again

Hinderton School in Whitby is an autism-specific primary special school, and the latest praise from Ofsted inspectors makes it one of very few in the country to have achieved this consistent level of success.

Headteacher Liam Dowling said: “We are delighted with this inspection outcome. It is a testament to the dedication of our outstanding team, and our partnership with parents and families."

Hinderton School in Ellesmere Port is delighted to report it remains an Outstanding school for the sixth time in a row.

Inspectors visited the school in June 2023, when it had 48 pupils on the school roll, and noted: "Staff want the very best for all pupils. They nourish a culture which is optimistic, enthusiastic and caring.

"They help pupils to recognise their strengths and overcome any barriers to learning. Pupils thrive and make exceptional progress.

"Pupils never deliberately disrupt learning. Bullying almost never happens. When it does, staff use it as an opportunity to improve the way that they help those involved. Any setback is used as an opportunity for improvement.

Hinderton School in Ellesmere Port is delighted to report it remains an Outstanding school for the sixth time in a row.

"Pupils develop the ability to express themselves. All pupils learn how to play a range of instruments, including the ukulele and the djembe drum. They participate in a wide range of sports, including tennis, golf and boccia.

"Pupils enjoy trips and visits, such as a tour of Roman Chester and days out at the seaside.

"Over time, the frequent small steps that pupils make amount to giant leaps. Their achievement is exceptional.

"Communication is the lifeblood of the school. Staff communicate clearly with pupils, often using pictures. They use a range of songs, stories and rhymes to build a love of words. Leaders are unwavering in their commitment to teach all pupils to read.

Hinderton School in Ellesmere Port is delighted to report it remains an Outstanding school for the sixth time in a row.

"Staff help parents and carers to support their child’s reading. Staff produce videos that make it easier for parents to help their children. Pupils read books that closely match their knowledge of phonics.

"This helps a significant number of pupils to become accurate readers."

Inspectors added: "Staff are highly attentive to pupils’ needs. They intervene unobtrusively whenever there is any sign that a child is anxious. They remove any sources of stress and direct pupils to strategies that help them to control their emotions.

"Parents are effusive about the work of the school. Many credit the school for making their child happy and improving well-being within their families.

"The leadership team is meticulous and driven. The team is capably supported by a thoughtful and knowledgeable governing body.

"Staff love working at the school. Morale is incredibly high. Staff appreciate the ways in which leaders consider their workload and well-being."

In terms of safeguarding, inspectors noted: "Leaders have created a strong safeguarding culture. Staff understand the ways in which pupils with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can be particularly vulnerable. They are alert to any sign that a pupil may be at risk of harm and report concerns.

"Staff work with a range of agencies to ensure that pupils and families get the help that they need.

"The school has developed its own capacity to support families. For example, two staff are ‘sleep counsellors’ who support families with sleep hygiene.

"Pupils learn how to manage different risks. They learn about e-safety and healthy relationships in a way that is developmentally appropriate."

This was the first time Ofsted had inspected the school since the Covid-19 pandemic.