John F Kennedy Special School rated outstanding by Ofsted

Inspectors visited John F Kennedy Special School on November 29 and 30 and their report has been published this month.

The school, which has sites in Stratford, Plaistow, Beckton and North Woolwich, was previously rated 'outstanding' in 2017 and has retained its rating.

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Inspectors wrote in their report: "Staff have high expectations for pupils’ achievement. They know the pupils extremely well. 

"Pupils show a high level of trust in the adults they work with. Communication is a key focus for all pupils in the school. 

"Staff use every possible moment to promote communication and interaction."

JFK is a special school with dedicated sites for those with profound and multiple learning difficulties and autism spectrum conditions.

It is part of the Learning in Harmony Trust.

The Ofsted report said: "Occasionally, a pupil needs a break from class and their learning is interrupted. 

"Leaders have developed a wide range of strategies to support pupils to de-escalate and return to their learning as quickly as possible."

Inspectors praised pupils' behaviour, saying "lessons are very rarely disrupted by low-level disruption".

John F Kennedy Special School has sites in Plaistow, Stratford and North Woolwich (Image: JFK Special School)

They were impressed by the "broad curriculum" the school has put in place to provide "fine-tuned personalised opportunities" for each pupil. 

The curriculum includes reading lessons where pupils "have access to a wide range of high-quality texts that encourage them to read about areas of interest and support their learning".

The Ofsted report also said pupils "really enjoyed" activities outside of academic subjects, such as clay work.

The report continued: "Secondary and sixth-form pupils are well prepared for the next stage in their learning. 

"Most proceed to further education, and leaders have designed the school curriculum to maximise opportunities to prepare for this experience. 

"This learning is tailored to the needs of each individual. 

"Pupils who may be able to live independently or semi-independently are taught the skills they will need in preparation for this."

The safety pupils feel was also highlighted by inspectors who wrote: "Pupils are taught how to keep themselves safe as part of the curriculum.

"Staff, parents and governors are confident that pupils are safe at school."

Reacting to the report, headteacher Jim Robinson said: "We are incredibly proud to be able to make a real difference for young people with SEND. 

"We are committed to ensuring each student is provided with a bespoke support plan to ensure they are able to thrive during their time with us and in their life post-JFK. 

"I look forward to continuing to work closely with staff across the trust to ensure we are providing exceptional SEND provision to young people across our local community."