CHILDREN at a special needs school rated “good” by Ofsted “thrive in a loving, caring and supportive environment”, inspectors have said.
Glenwood School, in Rushbottom Lane, Thundersley, was rated “good” across the board – the second highest rating possible – following an inspection at the start of December.
The school is a co-educational school for children with severe or profound and/or multiple learning difficulties. A report stated children enjoy going to school and are well supported by staff.
In the report, inspectors said: “Children thrive in a loving, caring and supportive environment. Staff provide good care and enjoy the time they spend with children.
“This child-focused approach improves children’s lives and experiences. Since the last inspection, children have continued to make good progress. This is because of the bespoke 24-hour curriculum offered to children.
“Staff work proactively with parents and carers to agree children’s targets. Staff create and share guides that help to break down tasks in ways children understand.
“School staff and residential staff follow the agreed approaches. This means children receive a consistent approach at home, in the residential provision and at school.”
At the time of the inspection, there were 252 learners at the school, all aged between three and 19. Inspectors also praised how the school deals with the health of the children.
The report added: “Staff administer medication safely and meet children’s health needs extremely well. The school nurse works in partnership with staff and parents. This collaborative approach ensures that children’s health needs are supported effectively.”
The safeguarding culture is also effective. The report stated: “Leaders have created a good safeguarding culture.
“There is an effective system for reporting and monitoring any concerns. Staff receive safeguarding training that is regularly refreshed and updated.
“The head of care, who is one of the designated safeguarding leads, has an excellent understanding of children’s needs. Consequently, children experience a safe and supportive environment.”
The report comes after it was revealed in October 2024, that the school was set to expand with a new teaching block after an increase of more than 34 per cent in the intake of children.