Stable School in Christchurch receives ‘good’ Ofsted rating after previously being told it needed improvement
A SCHOOL once rated as needing improvement has been praised by Ofsted inspectors who found it now makes pupils “feel safe.”
They found that pupils “feel listened to and well cared” at the Stable School in Christchurch, which looks after pupils aged between six and 16 with a range of special educational needs.
Inspectors also found that when they were having a “difficult day”, the staff “skilfully” support them to make positive choices and reflect on their actions.
As a result the inspectors said pupils “feel safe and want to learn.” The school in Dudmoor Farm Road was rated as needing improvement in all areas when it was last inspected in November 2023.
But during its most recent inspection it was found that the curriculum had undergone “significant change” and there are now “higher expectations” for what pupils can achieve.
Inspectors described it as “broad and ambitious” which ensured pupils were “building knowledge over time.”
But they said it still needed developing, as sometimes it was not matched well to the individual child – leaving them finding it either too easy, or too hard.
The school had also taken to steps to improving pupils’ reading and had a “well resourced library.”
Inspectors found that the school identified the specific needs of pupils “effectively”, which helps those transitioning to it after extended periods out of education.
There were also a wide range of extra-curricular activities offered by the school which pupils were said to love. They include horse riding, paddle boarding and hill climbing.
Parents and carers praised the individualised support their children receive to ensure their special educational needs and/or disabilities needs are met. Inspectors found that the number of parents who would now recommend the school had risen since its last inspection.
They concluded their report by saying that there is “a strong team in place ready to make further improvements where needed. “