Aran Hall School have achieved an overall judgement score of ‘Good’ on both their current performance and their prospects for improvement in their recent education Inspection. The inspection, which took place in April, was carried out by Estyn, the Welsh Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales.
The school based in Dolgellau, Gwynedd provides education, care and therapy for pupils who have a range of learning disabilities, autistic spectrum disorder and associated significant challenging behaviours and sexualised behaviour. Prior to joining the school most young people have been out of education for long periods of time and have experience previous placement breakdowns. The school works with young people aged 11 to 19 years and offers 38 to 52 week placement’s, to meet individual needs.
The inspection report looks at key questions:
1) How good are the outcomes?
2) How good is the provision?
3) How good is the leadership and management?
The report confirmed that the pupils make outstanding progress in managing their behaviour. They gain the confidence to try new activities, increase their engagement in learning and develop their communication and social skills, enabling them to take part in activities within the wider community.
The inspectors also commented that the school provides exceptionally high levels of care, support and guidance for its pupils. This includes effective procedures to support pupils’ medical and therapy needs. Staff are highly trained on working with young people on relationships, managing risk and behaviour.
The school was also rated excellent in its work to develop strategic partnerships with external agencies that enhance the pupils learning experience and life skills development. This includes the development of partnerships with parents, helping to develop and maintain young people’s relationships with family and friends wherever possible. There are also highly effective links with higher education institutions that support training and development of the schools innovative behaviour management programme with other schools.
