A CHELMSLEY Wood school is celebrating after its latest Ofsted inspection.
The education watchdog graded Merstone school, for those aged between two and 19 with severe and profound learning difficulties, as ‘strong standard’ in all areas.
The areas judged by Ofsted are, inclusion, curriculum and teaching, achievement, attendance and behaviour, personal development and wellbeing and leadership and governance.
In their report, inspectors noted that pupils thrive as part of a caring learning community and that pupils arrive with a smile and are greeted warmly by adults, who have their best interests at heart in everything they do and every decision they make.
Staff were singled out for praise with inspectors stating that they use highly focused assessment to oversee pupils’ academic, social and physical progress in meticulous detail and that they are expert at supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including those with more extensive needs.
Kieran Ryan-Grealish, executive headteacher at Merstone School said: “We are absolutely delighted that the inspection recognises the strength of our provision across all areas.
“At Merstone, we are deeply committed to ensuring every pupil is known, supported and able to thrive, whatever their individual needs.
“This outcome reflects the dedication, expertise and compassion of our staff team, as well as the strong partnerships we have with families.
“We are incredibly proud of our pupils and the progress they make, not just academically, but in their confidence, independence and readiness for life beyond school.”
The school’s nursery was described as a joyful, nurturing environment, where provision is carefully planned around each child’s needs with staff that are highly ambitious for the children in their care.
The post 16 provision was commended in the report with inspectors saying that preparation for adulthood is a significant strength and begins long before students reach post-16 provision and that leaders have high aspirations for students’ independence, self-care and ability to self-advocate.
The report also noted the school places a strong emphasis on developing pupils’ independence, confidence and personal behaviours, leaders are hugely passionate about ensuring every pupil feels safe, valued and able to communicate freely to trusted adults and pupils speak proudly about their achievements.
Chair of Governors, Antoinette Fisher, said: “I am so pleased that Ofsted has highlighted the exceptional work taking place at Merstone School through the award of a strong standard across all areas. I am particularly proud that inspectors have shone a light on the school’s inclusive ethos, high aspirations and the personalised support that enables every pupil to flourish.
“Merstone is a very special community where every child is valued as an individual and supported to reach their full potential and the report outlines not only the excellent progress pupils make academically, but also the school’s success in developing confidence, independence and important life skills.”
In November Ofsted changed the way it reports on a school inspection with the aim of providing a “fairer and more detailed picture” of the school rather than a one-word label.
Schools are now rated as Exceptional, Strong Standard, Expected Standard, Needs Attention and Urgent Improvement.
