Oxfordshire Hospital School praised in Ofsted report

Oxfordshire Hospital School (OHS), which teaches children and young people at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has received an 'outstanding' Ofsted report.

OHS, maintained by Oxfordshire County Council, educates youngsters aged four to 17 who are unable to attend their enrolled school due to a wide range of medical and mental health needs.

It has bases at the Children's Hospital, located at the John Radcliffe Hospital, and the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre. It also has sites throughout the county, such as at Helen and Douglas House Hospice.

The report, published following an inspection on 13 and 14 June 2023, found that pupils find "doing schoolwork gives them a sense of normality in an environment that is anything but normal for them."

While pupils can be supported by OHS for any length of time, many of them have been out of education for a long period before joining. The report praised the "very high proportion of pupils who successfully reintegrate back into a school when they are well enough to do so," adding: "Pupils achieve extremely well during their time at the school."

Steve Lowe, Headteacher at OHS, said: "No report could possibly do justice to the extraordinary achievements of the pupils whose education we support. They are an inspiration to us all, and their achievements remind us why we do what we do.

"Whilst we are clearly delighted by the outcome of the inspection, we are mindful of the challenges and pressures of such processes on schools and school leaders."

The report acknowledged the positive feedback from parents and carers towards the "compassionate and nurturing" staff. One parent said OHS was "the answer to her prayers."

It recognised staff who "adeptly respond to pupils' changing needs" and that "staff tailor each pupil's curriculum to meet their medical and educational needs exceptionally well."

Steve said: "I'm privileged to lead a team of incredible people, who work selflessly and tirelessly with young people, their families and professional support networks. They deliver so brilliantly every minute of every day."

The Ofsted report concluded that OHS continues to be an 'outstanding' school.

Steve said: "Our staff have created something really quite special here but there is always scope to do even better and we’re looking forward to continuing our journey."