North Staffordshire school where education ‘transforms lives’ rated …
A Newcastle special school where education ‘transforms lives’ has retained its outstanding Ofsted rating. Inspectors praised the ‘highly motivated’ pupils at Blackfriars Academy for their ‘exemplary’ behaviour and said they ‘achieve exceptionally well’.
Staff at the Priory Road school are said to take time to understand the needs of pupils, who have a broad range of special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), including physical disabilities, autism, severe learning difficulties and other complex needs. Inspectors noted that ‘no time is wasted’ in providing pupils with the support they require when they join the school.
Pupils not only study for academic and vocational qualifications and other accreditations, but they are also taught skills that prepare them well for independent living in a home, such as using a washing machine and preparing meals. They are proud to take on leadership roles within the school and pupil mentors wear colourful jumpers to help them stand out.
READ:Five extra classrooms needed as numbers surge at Stoke-on-Trent high school[1] | Ormiston Meridian Academy in Meir is about to experience two ‘bulge years’ in pupil numbers
READ: New café inspired by Loui, 19, opens – and there’s oatcakes on the menu[2] | Loui’s Kitchen is the new venture from Alice Charity founders Steph Talbot and Emily Petts
Inspectors also noted the ‘exceptional’ support with communication, with staff ‘highly skilled’ in using a wide range of communication systems which allows pupils to have a voice. This means they can ‘adapt their provision’ to take account of pupils’ views.
Students also take part in work experience that is ‘well matched to their individual needs’ and enjoy a range of extra-curricular clubs, including a computing club and the popular rabbit club, where pupils learn to care for animals.
The Ofsted report states: “Blackfriars Academy prepares pupils well for the next stages of their education and lives. Pupils know that every adult in school will support them along their journey into adulthood. Pupils thrive from the opportunities given to them.
“Behaviour across the school is exemplary. At playtime and lunchtime, pupils play and interact together respectfully. They hold doors open for adults and for each other. They warmly greet visitors with a smile and a handshake.
Alison Parr, principal of Blackfriars Academy in Newcastle (Image: Pete Stonier / Stoke Sentinel)
“Pupils are highly motivated and speak positively about their school experience. Pupils know that adults will keep them safe in school. The school has high expectations for what each individual pupil can achieve.
“Staff speak with conviction of the ‘power of education to transform the lives of pupils and parents and carers’. This ambition is realised.”
Inspectors noted that staff feel ‘well supported’ to carry out their roles. Parents and specialist agencies are also reported to be ‘overwhelmingly positive’ about the education, care and support that pupils receive at Blackfriars Academy.
School principal Alison Parr said: “I am absolutely delighted that the hard work, dedication and skill of the Blackfriars staff have been recognised by Ofsted once again, in our 27th year as a provider of exceptional educational practice. Our ‘highly motivated’ pupils who ‘achieve exceptionally well’ fully deserve this praise.”
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References
- ^ Five extra classrooms needed as numbers surge at Stoke-on-Trent high school (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
- ^ New café inspired by Loui, 19, opens – and there’s oatcakes on the menu (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
- ^ Sign up for email alerts from StokeonTrentLive direct to your inbox here (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)