‘Warm and friendly’ Salford school wins praise from Ofsted

A Salford school for children and young adults with specialist educational needs has been praised by Ofsted for being ‘warm and friendly’ and for the achievements of its pupils.

Aim Habonim, which caters for Jewish pupils who are severely disabled or have profound and multiple learning difficulties and autism, has earned a ‘good’ rating in every category following its latest inspection.

The categories range from the quality of education, personal development, behaviour and attitudes to early years and sixth-form provision, leadership and management.

The independent mixed school, led by headteacher Johnny Goodman, caters for pupils aged up to 25 and currently has 106 on its roll. Ofsted inspectors visited the school in July this year.

In their report, the inspectors wrote: “Pupils, who all have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), are excited to come to school and keen to learn. Staff give them a warm and friendly welcome when they arrive in the morning. The school is a calm and well-ordered environment.

“Pupils behave well in school, following the rules and routines steadfastly. Staff consistently manage pupils’ behaviour effectively. Pupils are polite and respectful to each other, staff and visitors. This makes the school a harmonious environment for all.”

The inspectors added: “The school has high expectations for pupils’ achievement. It has thought carefully about how best to meet pupils’ needs and ensure that, as much as possible, they are prepared to live independently in the future.

“Pupils achieve well from their starting points. Sixth-form students are well prepared to move onto further education, employment or training.

“Pupils value the broad and varied opportunities for visitors, trips and life skills work. They relish the roles and responsibilities they can take on, such as classroom monitors.

“In the sixth form, students learn skills such as how to cook a nutritious meal and sell them locally as part of a school enterprise project.”

The school’s curriculum is rooted in a vision that every pupil gets an education which allows them to achieve their potential, the inspectors said.

They added: “The school identifies carefully any additional needs which pupils may have in addition to those recognised in their education, health and care plans.

“Throughout the curriculum and in additional therapy sessions, the school typically meets pupils’ needs well.”

Aim Habonim’s curriculum is organised into three pathways.

In each, the school has identified the core knowledge that pupils need to learn and has thought carefully about the order in which they learn this new content, said the inspectors.

“For example, pupils with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) concentrate on developing their communication skills before moving onto learning how to read.

“Additionally, in the sixth-form pathways, the curriculum focuses primarily on developing students’ independence and vocational interests.

“For example, some students begin to follow vocational pathways into construction or childcare. This helps these students to be ready for their next steps in education, employment or training.”

The report says the school recognises the importance of reading.

“Staff share books with pupils and pupils read to someone, or are read to, every day. This helps them to experience a variety of different literature. Once pupils are ready, they learn a carefully thought out phonics programme.

“Pupils who find reading more difficult receive effective support so that, over time, they learn to read with greater fluency and success.”

The inspectors praised the ‘strong, warm and positive relationships’ which permeate the school and said staff enjoy working at Aim Habonim.

“Pupils and sixth-form students are well cared for. They show high levels of empathy towards each other,” the report says.

“Children in the early years learn to manage their feelings and emotions well. As pupils move through the school, they increasingly become more proficient in managing their own behaviour.

“The school has a sharp focus on ensuring that pupils come to school often. It understands well the varying reasons which may affect pupils’ attendance.

“Where needed, the school puts in necessary support. As a result, pupils come to school regularly. “

The report added that pupils and sixth-form students receive high-quality careers guidance.

The inspectors said the systems and processes in place ensure that the independent school standards are consistently met. The premises are kept to a high standard, and staff have a wealth of expertise in working with pupils with special educational needs or disabilities.

Jacob Levin, chairman of governors, said: “We are thrilled that Ofsted has recognised the strengths of our school. This is a wonderful endorsement of the daily effort and teamwork that goes into creating the best-possible learning experience for our children.

“We are extremely proud of the commitment of our staff and the achievements of our pupils. We are very grateful for the support of our parents and wider community.

“This report confirms the school’s strong progress and the bright future ahead.

“The governors would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this success –  especially our esteemed headmaster Mr Goodman.

“We look forward to building on these achievements to ensure that Aim Habonim continues to thrive and improve, so that we are able to provide the best possible life chances for the children and young adults in our care and not be satisfied with the status quo.”

Earlier this year, the school unveiled plans for a £7.5m expansion scheme as demand grows. The project will involve creating a three-storey extension, which will double the school’s floor space, alongside a remodelling and refurbishment of the existing building.

The redevelopment will increase the number of teaching and therapy spaces, including a hydrotherapy pool, sensory rooms, provision for other types of therapy, a gym, quiet rooms, music and one-to-one reading rooms.

Planning permission has been granted by Salford City Council. A large percentage of the cost has been raised and fundraising efforts are continuing to enable the project to be completed.