Setting

Aviation House 125 Kingsway London WC2B 6SE T 0300 123 1231 F 020 7421 6855 enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.1

15 February 2010 Mr J Pearson The Headteacher Rosehill School St Matthias Road Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG3 2FE

p.1

and achievement: the power of partnership

Thank you for your hospitality and cooperation, and that of your staff and pupils, during my visit on 27 January 2010 to look at your partnerships with higher education.

p.1

and achievement: the power of partnership

The visit provided valuable information which will contribute to our national evaluation and reporting. Published reports are likely to list the names of the contributing institutions but individual institutions will not be identified in the main text without their consent.

p.1

and achievement: the power of partnership

The evidence used to inform the judgements included: scrutiny of documentation; discussions with senior leaders and staff, parents, the chair of the governing body, a representative of Birmingham University; and visits to lessons.

p.1

Features of effective practice

 The school has been very effective in establishing and sustaining effective partnerships with a wide range of higher education establishments. Together with partnerships with primary and secondary schools, these have helped the school to provide a curriculum that is very closely matched to the needs of its pupils.  The school’s successful bid to be part of the Creative Schools Partnership enabled it to extend opportunities for pupils to undertake an excellent range of musical, dance and artistic activities. Specialists in these areas provide pupils with rich experiences that enhance their self-esteem, confidence and social skills, for example, through talking to the public when their art and photographic work is displayed in various venues throughout the city.  Employment opportunities for pupils are promoted through the school’s strong links with colleges of further education and prospective employers.

p.1

Features of effective practice

Pupils are encouraged to develop their interest in the arts through part- time study at colleges of education.  Links with higher education establishments provide good opportunities for undergraduates to undertake initial teacher training at the school. Further links provide opportunities for nursing and psychology students to participate in extended placements and deepen their understanding of the needs of autistic pupils.  Links with a university in Budapest provide mutual opportunities for a wider understanding of autism. Students visit from the university and provide support to the school while school staff visit Budapest to talk at conferences.  The school initiates and participates in a wide range of research projects, a number of which are published. However, the school recognises that it is not yet sharing data and expertise as widely as it could, particularly to benefit staff in mainstream primary and secondary schools.

p.2

Features of effective practice

 Staff are encouraged, through strong links with universities, to undertake training that significantly enhances their understanding of autism and enables them to reflect on, and improve, the provision for their pupils.

p.2

Areas for development, which we discussed, include:

 exploring opportunities for sharing research and expertise with other organisations.

p.2

Areas for development, which we discussed, include:

I hope these observations are useful as you continue to develop partnerships in support of school improvement.

p.2

Areas for development, which we discussed, include:

As I explained previously, a copy of this letter will be sent to your local authority and will be published on the Ofsted website. It will also be available to the team for your next institutional inspection.

p.2