Headteacher Freddie Adu (right) with governor Cllr Ben Coleman
Inspectors have heaped praise on Queensmill School, rating it outstanding for the fourth time in a row.
The school, in Askham Road, Shepherds Bush, provides education for autistic children and support for their families.
The 'outstanding' Ofsted rating is the highest mark possible. Rather than rest on their laurels since their last inspection in October 2014, staff have continued to make changes to improve the lives of young people.
Ofsted inspectors paid tribute to headteacher Freddie Adu for his ‘vibrant leadership’ which they said has ‘enhanced provision significantly’. Ofsted is a non-ministerial government department which inspects schools and other childcare providers across the country.
The changes have included a new girls’ unit, post-19 provision, supported work experience including running a cafe and working at a cake stall at Hammersmith Market in Lyric Square, and supported internships.
Inspectors were particularly impressed by how staff can tailor learning and therapy to individual pupils’ needs which they said enabled them to make ‘rapid and sustained progress’.
They praised innovations such as a new assessment system tracking academic and personal skills development, and the great teamwork between teachers and therapists. As a result, they said ‘teaching is sharply focused and pupil outcomes are outstanding’.
‘We are tremendously proud of this latest judgement,” said Headteacher, Freddie Adu.
“It validates all the school has done since the last inspection, particularly the additional specialist provision we have added.
“The staff at Queensmill work exceptionally hard to enable children with autism to thrive and achieve and are supported by hard-working governors, parents and carers, to make the school community and extremely positive and effective one.’
Inspectors were delighted with the support from governors who they said have maintained a culture of ‘high expectations enabling pupils to flourish’.
They were impressed by how closely parents work with the school to help develop the curriculum and how parents describe the school staff as caring and loving and ‘like an extension of the family’.
“This report is fantastic, congratulations to Freddie and his team, parents and pupils,” said Larry Culhane, Cabinet Member for Children and Education.
“It comes as no surprise, though. You can’t fail to hear the praise for Queensmill whenever anyone comes into contact with the school.
“We’re proud and privileged to have such an amazing school in our borough.”
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