A Spalding special school has retained its ‘outstanding’ status following a short Ofsted inspection last month.
The Garth School on Pinchbeck Road was judged outstanding in June 2015 and after the February’s visit, retains its status.
The Ofsted report praised many areas of the school, including the high level of care pupils receive and the school’s governance as a whole.
Pupils “very much enjoy attending the school”, the report found. “They learn well, their views are listened to and they appreciate the high-quality care and guidance they receive.”
The report said school leaders have maintained the outstanding level of education, carefully planning pupils’ learning and providing effective support.
It added that parents and carers who responded to the school’s surveys are happy with the care and education the children receive.
The learning environment was also praised, with the report stating: “Pupils develop their skills through well-thought-out activities and communication aids.
“Staff create wonderful learning experiences that support pupils to develop their personal and communication skills well.
“The ‘daily circuits’ give pupils a stimulating start to their day. They successfully enhance pupils’ physical development, self-confidence and love of their learning.”
Safeguarding efforts and attention to pupils’ needs were also praised.
“Pupils have access to a range of specialists to support their personal development, for example individual help with speech, mobility and communication. Inspectors observed pupils showing their improved communication by using sign language when in conversation with the head of the school. They were able to explain in detail how they had improved as a result of close staff support.”
The Acting Head of School, Claire Moore, was praised in the report as an “excellent role model”.
It said: “She has ensured that high-quality professional development opportunities are available to all staff including leaders.
“Staff are reflective practitioners. They have high aspirations for themselves and pupils.
“They are ambitious for all to succeed.”
The leadership reportedly has a positive effect across all staff members. The report said: “Staff said that they enjoy working in the school and feel valued. They appreciate the skilful and passionate way in which leaders model outstanding practice across the school.
“Staff turnover is low and is a healthy indication that the staff feel positive about their contribution to the school’s work and to pupils’ lives.”
