Joy as ambitious and caring school maintains high standards

Staff and pupils are celebrating after Green Park School was judged to be Good by Ofsted, with inspectors describing it as an 'ambitious and caring' school.

They visited Green Park at the end of April and, in their report published recently, found that staff have 'high expectations and a deep understanding of all pupils'.

The school, which supports learners aged three to 19 with complex physical and medical needs, provides a 'safe and calm' environment, with pupils feeling 'motivated and happy to learn'.

The 'progressive and personalised' curriculum is 'exciting, broad and ambitious', with a breadth of subjects and topics that supports pupils’ engagement and attention and which are delivered 'consistently well'.

Through creative approaches to teaching, such as songs, pictures and textured materials, 'pupils engage in their learning' and 'achieve well'.

Work on improving pupils’ communication 'is a strength', enabling them to learn well, become more independent and to play an active part in the school community.

The school prepares pupils for adulthood effectively, offering a range of opportunities beyond the classroom including residential visits, horse riding and swimming, all of which help pupils 'develop new skills and confidence as they venture into the wider world'. In sixth form, students benefit from increased opportunities to improve their independence, enjoying work experience and travel training.

Pupils behave well, with the school using a 'range of strategies to promote and reward positive behaviour'. Staff are committed to promoting good attendance, and pupils enjoy 'being in school and attend regularly'.

Leaders are ambitious for all pupils and have created 'a positive culture for learning' which is 'supported effectively' by governors who know what is working well and where to focus for improvement.

Inspectors concluded that the school has a 'committed and passionate staff team that makes Green Park an exciting place where pupils will continue to flourish'. And they confirmed that the school has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection, when it was judged to be Good. Headteacher Lorraine Dawney said: "I am so proud of the achievements of our learners; they rise to every new challenge and astound us every day by their progress.

"Our vision is to prepare them for ‘Learning for Life’ and the inspection recognised that we aspire for all children to reach their full potential each and every day. 

"I would like to personally thank all staff; I have such a fabulous team of caring and committed professionals who always give 100% to our learners. I also want to celebrate the partnership with parents, carers and governors as it is their support and dedication that creates a school where children flourish."

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: "This is a brilliant outcome for Green Park School and reflects the commitment of everyone involved. The school’s focus on pupil independence, communication and wellbeing is inspiring.

"We’re incredibly proud of the work being done at Green Park to ensure children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the best start in life, and I’d like to thank the staff, families and pupils for their continued passion and hard work.”

Latest data shows that 97% of schools in Wolverhampton are currently rated either Good or Outstanding by Ofsted, the highest ever.

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, joined Headteacher Lorraine Downey, Chair of governors Linda Guest and children and support staff to celebrate Green Park School's Good Ofsted rating.