What people say about Small Haven School
Don’t just take our word for it, here are a few quotes from the Ofsted Inspector, parents and pupils.
Quotes taken from the Ofsted Report dated 10th – 12th December 2024
“Pupils offer a warm and joyful welcome to their deeply caring and ambitious school. The motto of ‘Belong, Believe, Thrive, Achieve’ permeates all aspects of school life. Expectations are consistently high and impressively met. Pupils achieve well. They progress through the curriculum with success, while also developing interpersonal qualities and life skills. Behaviour is excellent. Staff provide pastoral support and encouragement to help pupils stay on track if they feel unsettled. Conduct around school is calm, focused and friendly. Relationships between pupils, and with staff, are delightful. Everyone communicates with respect and compassion, ensuring a supportive and purposeful learning atmosphere across every class. One pupil represented many when sharing, ‘This school welcomed me with open arms and always believes in me’.
“Personal development is exceptional. Pupils proudly present and record the school’s podcast using their cutting-edge studio. Music, sport and creative arts are celebrated and nurtured to find the best in everyone. Trips are extensive, enriching the curriculum for all. The school boosts pupils’ spiritual awareness with visits to places of worship such as a synagogue. Leadership roles enable pupils to make a tangible difference to school life. Opportunities include ‘head of online safety’, ‘friendship champion’ and ‘recycling monitor’. Pupils value these responsibilities enormously”.
“Behaviour is impressive. Expectations are widely understood, ensuring positive behaviour in and out of the classroom. Pupils socialise and play joyfully in their well-kept recreation areas. Staff are always nearby to help pupils navigate any challenges, such as agreeing the rules of a game. Everybody feels equal here. Pupils are sympathetic to the needs of others and are proud to help each other”.
“Reading is valued highly. All staff are trained to teach phonics and reading using the school’s programme. Pupils hear precise modelling of sounds and use consistent resources. Catch-up activities, individual support and group lessons utilise well matched texts, giving pupils the help they need. As they progress through the school, pupils become fluent, confident and motivated readers”.
“Excellent personal development opportunities help pupils to become conscientious citizens who want to improve the world. This is achieved through a raft of thoughtful initiatives including creating Christmas packages for homeless charities. Visitors enrich school life and help pupils to understand moral issues. For example, pupils welcomed a visit from a refugee who inspired them to understand the plight of someone fleeing war. Older pupils support younger pupils as buddies. The courteous and inspirational sixth-form students are role models for others. The student council makes a tangible difference to school life. Pupils write and present manifestos before everyone considers their vote. This is one of many examples of how fundamental British values are promoted successfully. Cookery is important across all ages, helping pupils to develop life skills. This is made possible by the proprietor’s strong investment in high-quality facilities which are accessible to all”.
“Parent and carers are unanimous in their high praise for leaders and the school. They say this is ‘an amazing school where children are fully supported to thrive’. The Inspection report: Small Haven School 10 to 12 December 2024 school provides extensive help for families and ensures that views of parents are well considered. Staff feel happy, proud and highly valued. Careful considerations about workload ensure positive well-being for all. Every decision is made with pupils at heart. The proprietor’s vision to provide life-changing learning for pupils with SEND is fulfilled every day with expertise, dedication and compassion”.
Quotes taken from Parents
"For any perspective parents/guardians contemplating this school as a potential placement for their child, the clue is very much in the name. It is indeed a Haven and a very safe, secure and friendly haven at that. They are of course a school and always endeavour to educate on all levels, including social and life skills, but their endeavours go so much deeper than that and all delivered in a very relaxed, cosy and understanding environment."
"Thank you we really do appreciate all your help and for never giving up on our son. You’re one in a million all of you."
"Meeting the children’s needs whilst stretching their potent is a true balancing act and Small Haven deliver this with such thought, empathy, planning and fore-sight that the Parent, Guardian or Child are often unaware of the fact that such a well-oiled caring machine is forever ticking over and striving at all times for perfection. Yes we are of course dealing with young people who are themselves dealing with a whole spectrum of challenges, and no system is perfect because we as people are not perfect, but this school is as close as you will ever find."
"Some great news, our girl has gone to college and we have not had a phone call. She was so nervous but she went in confidently and enjoyed it. It wouldn't be possible without all your hard work so thanks again."
"They are a true paradox, they strive to push their pupils to full fill their potential but at the same time there is an extremely relaxed atmosphere around the whole school. The staff are extremely professional but they are also very human and approachable as well. From top to bottom I have only ever seen staff that are friendly and committed."
"I’d like to thank you all for your continuing support with my son, he is thriving under your care and is happier than he has been for a very long time. This progress, in part is due to the school’s therapeutic approach which has enabled my son to grow emotionally and this has impacted positively on his self-esteem. The format of the school and the dedication of the staff team, should not be kept a secret, as what is taking place at Small Haven is worth shouting about. THANK YOU ALL! Just a brilliant review and yes when a child attends Small Haven they can dream big!"
Quotes taken from children
"Small Haven School is like my second home. We’re like one big happy family."
"The teachers make me feel safe at Small Haven School. Everyone says hello and is friendly."
"The adults look after me here and I have lots of friends. Every day I want to come to school, which I didn’t at my old school."
"My favourite thing about Small Haven School is I know they will listen to me."
"The work is challenging but I understand it and the staff help me. I can talk to the adults when I’m upset or angry."
"I feel safe here because it is a small school and the staff are helpful and nice. I have someone I can talk to if I need to."
"My favourite thing about school is my friends and teachers."
Quotes taken from Professionals
"All three students I supported who attended your school, had very different but very complex special educational needs. During their time at Small Haven School; each developed a positive view of themselves as learners, became more independent and confident in their learning and became more self-reflective about their behaviour/actions and how these impacts on others. The school's planning for transition to Post 16 was personable and considered, with each pupil receiving a bespoke package of preparation and support. Whilst leaving a very small school, for bigger pastures, each left with the confidence that they could go forth and succeed. I look forward to the pleasure of working with you in the future, should any of our students be so fortunate as to attend your school."
"As an external guest, regularly visiting your school for Personal Educational Plans (PEP) Meetings, I would like to commend you on the professionalism of your staff. The meetings were always well prepared for in terms of feedback on attainment and progress, as well as the emotional development of the pupil. This, combined with the detailed completion of the PEP Forms made the holistic educational needs of the student explicit to all involved."
"I have been extremely impressed by Small Haven. The welcome is always warm and professional from staff. First impressions are so important to students, parents and professionals alike and give a good indication of the care and professionalism of the provision. Your reports are of an excellent standard. They are detailed and very clear whilst your style of chairing meetings is relaxed and informative. You and your team’s understanding of and support to the children you care for is admirable. As a social worker I very much appreciate your support. Many thanks"