Portal House was inspected by Ofsted on 15 May 2019, 4 June 2015, 1 December 2011 and 25 March 2009, and on each occasion was graded as a ‘Good’ school.

A copy of the reports can be obtained from www.ofsted.gov.uk.  The latest inspection letter can be viewed here.

The following extracts are taken from the 2019 Inspection Report:

The leadership team has maintained the good quality of education in the school since the last inspection.  You, your leadership team and staff share an ambitious vision for all your pupils, many of whom have had negative experiences of school in the past.  Together, you are dedicated to ensuring that all pupils are equipped with the skills, confidence and resilience they need to move on to the next stage of their education or training.

Pupils told inspectors that they are very happy at school. Parents and carers were also positive about the school. All who responded to Ofsted’s online survey, Parent View, said they would recommend the school to other parents. One parent said: ‘The head and staff work hard to maintain an amazing school for boys with special needs, staff deal with the boys when they are having their “moments” professionally and respectfully, you really cannot fault the school in any way.’

Pupils’ behaviour in lessons, before school and during unstructured times is good. They understand what is required, and when they need to, pupils use the strategies they have been taught to regulate their own behaviour. Pupils are proud of the sustained progress they have made with their behaviour in and around school. Staff’s consistent implementation of the school’s behaviour and reward policy has led to substantial reductions in exclusions and incidents of poor behaviour.

Links for OFSTED inspectors: