Top Marks for Local Special School
Congratulations to Cleaswell Hill, a day community special school in Guide Post, Northumberland, which received their second consecutive ‘outstanding’ judgement by Ofsted in a report published on the 21st September. The school serves 208 children with complex learning difficulties and disabilities, from ages four through to eighteen.
Glowing Report
Two inspectors examined the school for children aged 4-19 on the 29th and 30th of June 2022. Their inspection involved visiting pupils from across the school, subject deep dives, the consideration of staff and parent survey responses and meetings with senior leaders, governors and the school improvement partner. The last full Ofsted inspection at Cleaswell Hill School was conducted in 2017, followed by a one day monitoring visit in 2020.
Lynn Watson OBE, from Northumberland County Council, stated:
“It is a privilege working with Cleaswell Hill School as part of the Local Authority School Improvement Partner system. The school has sustained excellence across two full inspections and there is no doubt in my mind it is a beacon of excellence in SEND provision.”
In their glowing six page report, Ofsted state that ‘pupils thrive at Cleaswell Hill’. The document highlights the high expectations, ‘overwhelmingly positive’ feedback from parents and carers, exceptional behaviour, safety, highly specialised and ambitious curriculum, experienced staff, work with multi agency professionals, preparation for next steps, support for pupil wellbeing, interventions, promotion of personal development and effective safeguarding arrangements as areas of strength for the school. No areas for development are outlined within the report.
Mike Jackson, Head Teacher explained:
“We have a great team at Cleaswell who work tirelessly day in day out to ensure our pupils receive the highest quality provision; this commitment is reflected in the Ofsted judgement”.
Keep up the hard work
Ian Lavery, local MP commented:
“To be once again judged as ‘outstanding’ is an incredible achievement. This does not happen overnight. The hard work and dedication that goes on for years behind the scenes to make this happen is immense and a testament to the commitment and professionalism of all the staff and leadership team at Cleaswell Hill School. This is even more impressive given the difficulties that schools have faced over the past couple of years as a result of the pandemic. A massive congratulations and well done to all involved and keep up the hard work!”
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East added:
“We are delighted to learn that Cleaswell Hill School received an ‘outstanding’ rating with no areas for improvement on their recent Ofsted report. What a wonderful way for Cleaswell to start their new academic year. We are very proud to see our region’s schools thrive despite everything that has been thrown at them over the last few years.”
To read the full inspection report and find out more information about Cleaswell Hill School and Cleaswell Hill Foundation, visit www.cleaswellhill.northumberland.sch.uk
Join us on Thursday 24 November for the annual Schools North East Ofsted update event where we will be joined by Katrina Gueli, Regional Director, North East, Yorkshire & Humber, Belita Scott, Senior HMI, North East. Book your place today: https://schoolsnortheast.org/events/event/ofsted-update-2022/14174/
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