A TAMESIDE secondary school for children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) has gone from inadequate to outstanding in three years.
Samuel Laycock, on Broadoak Road in Ashton-under-Lyne, was given the lowest possible Ofsted rating in September 2021.
Tellingly, the body said: “The expectations that leaders and staff set for pupils are too low.”
But its latest inspection has seen it rise from one end of the rankings to the other, with the New Bridge Multi-Academy Trust praised for ‘breathing new life’ into it.
A latest report states: “Samuel Laycock School has high expectations for pupils’ personal and academic achievement. These expectations are fully realised.
“The curriculum has been further refined to better meet the needs of pupils with more complex SEND.
“Additional pathways for pupils with sensory and communication needs have been established.”
Inspectors also highlighted the way Samuel Laycock prepares pupils, aged 11-17, for later life.
They add: “The school harnesses and nurtures pupils’ talents and interests.
“Lunch clubs, after school clubs and residential activities stretch and challenge pupils to try something new.
“In Year 11, pupils stay in a self-catering caravan by the sea. They shop and cook their own food. They also plan their activities.
“This experience further develops their independence and readiness for leaving school.
“The school has a bespoke work-experience programme. For example, pupils work in garden centres, a football museum and a theatre.
“The trust has breathed new life into the school. It, along with the governing body, has allowed the school the autonomy and trust to thrive, while ensuring that the school has extended support and challenge.
“Staff morale is high. Everyone is pulling together to improve outcomes for all pupils.”
At the time of the inadequate rating, a spokesperson for the school told The Correspondent changes will be made.
They said: “Steps have been in place for some time which address the inspectors’ findings.”
Those have been continued, resulting in headteacher Helen Wilson expressing her delight at the outstanding rating, thanking the staff team for their dedication and commitment to Samuel Laycock’s young people.’
She said: “We are delighted at the turnaround of the school, especially for our pupils and families in having access to an outstanding provision in the local area.”
Chief executive of New Bridge Multi Academy Trust, which Samuel Laycock joined in April 2022, Clare John, added: “This is a true reflection of the fantastic offer that is on display at Samuel Laycock, all the way through the year, and so it feels like a very well deserved pat on the back for everyone associated with the school.”