Vranch House is a centre for the treatment of over 2,000 outpatients with physical difficulties, a provider of various therapies throughout Devon and an independent Day School in Exeter for children with significant physical difficulties.

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Last updated: 28/03/2024

Vranch House - Outstanding in all areas

Vranch House - Outstanding in all areas

Date added: Monday 30th July 2018
Latest updated: Thursday 23rd February 2023

Vranch House School in Exeter, a charity school for children with physical difficulties, has been rated universally ‘Outstanding' in its latest Ofsted report in what is a highly unusual and perhaps unique set of results for a special school of this kind. 

The Inspector praised the strong management leadership, the exemplary behaviour of the pupils, the consistently high outcomes for pupils, the very high standard of teaching, learning and assessment and the excellent Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provision; judging all five of the inspected key areas as being ‘Outstanding'.

The school developed its own curriculum for the pupils and the Inspector found that "Vranch House provides a highly effective education for its pupils. Pupils make excellent progress in their academic and personal development. The curriculum is exceptionally well planned. Leaders monitor teachers' work to check that pupils achieve highly and develop well. The integration of pupil's physical therapy needs with academic learning helps them to make outstanding progress in all aspects of their learning." 

The buildings and grounds at Vranch House were designed and are maintained to provide a first class learning environment. The Inspector praised the environment that the pupils enjoy at Vranch House, stating "The immaculately kept grounds and the high-quality hydrotherapy suite provide pupils with rich, stimulating sensory experiences." 

Of the staff, the Inspector's report states: "All staff receive high-quality training. They are committed to ensuring that pupils reach their potential. Regardless of their role or position, all staff see themselves as equal members of the Vranch House team. Staff morale is high." 

Head of Education, Ian Norton said: "The development of our own curriculum, coupled with our use of an individualised online evidence capture and assessment tool, has enabled the high standards and excellent provision we offer at Vranch House. These improvement have seen therapists, teachers and support staff working ever closer together to develop the full potential of our pupils because the needs of our children and their families has always been at the very centre of all we do."

The full report is available HERE.