The work at an East Lancashire school for children who have missed long periods of education has been described as “transformational” by Ofsted.
Belmont School, in Haslingden Road, Rawtenstall, was visited by inspectors between April 29 and May 1 and was deemed to be ‘good’, achieving this rating in all judgement criteria.
Pupils at the school are aged between five and 18, and many of them have complex social, emotional and mental health needs.
Inspectors noted how a new leadership team had implemented a broad and ambitious curriculum for students and, from their starting points, pupils achieve well.
Ofsted said: “Pupils receive a fresh start at Belmont School. Pupils re-engage with learning because staff develop trusting relationships with pupils. Often, this work is transformational.
“Staff create a calm environment for pupils. The school applies its behaviour policy fairly and consistently.
“When pupils struggle to manage their behaviour and emotions, the school provides highly effective support through their clinical team.
“Pupils are taught how to regulate their feelings and manage their behaviour extremely well.”
Ofsted noted that the school had established an “influential vision” for pupils to become confident, resilient and aspirational for their futures.
This was achieved through a vocational offer that gives students certificates in horticulture and construction.
However, one critique by the watchdog was that the school does not check precisely enough if pupils have remembered the new knowledge that they are taught.
Students also develop skills in English and maths, however, the school has not ensured that pupils learn and remember the important subject-specific language that they need well enough.
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Ofsted added: “Many pupils join the school with gaps in their reading knowledge. Pupils benefit from a well-taught phonics programme that addresses these gaps. Pupils become fluent and confident readers.
“Over time, pupils who struggle with reading develop the skills that they need to access a range of texts across the curriculum.”
Student relationships with staff were also praised and during their time at school, pupils make substantial gains in their attendance.
At Belmont, the personal development of pupils is of high priority, and staff provide a variety of opportunities to build self-esteem.
This includes substantial career information and advice, with students from Year 7 onwards receiving specialist support to develop clear job pathways.
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