Eco-Schools Award

Eco-Schools is an international award programme that guides schools on their sustainable journey, providing a framework to help embed these principles into the heart of school life.

Richmond Hill Special School develop a sustainable gardening area

https://www.eco-schools.org.uk/

Ofsted Comments

(Ofsted March 2025)

Overall effectiveness - Good 

The quality of education - Good 

Behaviour and attitudes - Good 

Personal development - Outstanding 

Leadership and management - Good 

Early years provision - Good

• Every pupil at this school is valued as an individual.
•  Staff know pupils really well and adapt what they are doing in class or elsewhere to help them be calm and happy.
•  There is a strong focus on developing pupils’ ability to communicate.
•  Both verbal and non-verbal pupils make use of symbols to help them share their desires and needs.
•  The school ensures that there are high ambitions for pupils academically, with an emphasis on learning to read for those who   are ready to do so.
•  The school holds communication as a central part of everything it teaches.
•  Pupils who are non-verbal build up their use of different words rapidly so that they can share needs and learn well.
•  The school is full of ways to enrich pupils’ communication, such as using signing and objects to help pupils know what is   happening where and when.
•  Leaders’ use of information and other monitoring systems is forensic.
•  There is a strong emphasis on developing skills for life, for example becoming confident at travelling on the bus or ordering   food in a café.

(Ofsted November 2019)

"Teachers and teaching assistants work extremely well together in setting high expectations for pupils' learning and behaviour in lessons. Pupils are valued as individuals and the school does much to raise their self esteem. It promotes their spiritual,moral,social & cultural development outstandingly well."

(Ofsted March 2015)

" Pupils love coming to school because it is a very happy place where they feel safe. Staff manage behaviour exceptionally well so that no learning time is lost. The school's work to keep the pupils safe and secure is outstanding & attendance rates have improved significantly"

(Ofsted March 2015)

“The school is committed to innovation & development to give pupils enjoyable & memorable​ experiences”

(Ofsted report 2011)

"A relaxed, fun filled atmosphere in which pupils are encouraged to be active participants"