Special school’s ‘huge honour’ over Ofsted’s top mark for inclusion

Three Ways School in Bath says that receiving Ofsted’s top mark for inclusion is a “huge honour”.

Inspectors from the education watchdog visited the single academy school at Frome Road in Odd Down in May and the report was published on 15th July.

All pupils attending Three Ways have an education, health and care (EHC) plan for a range of special educational needs and/or disabilities.

This includes a large number with EHC plans for profound, severe or moderate learning difficulties.

Ofsted’s new report card system has a grading scale with exceptional at the top, followed by strong standard, expected standard, needs attention, and urgent improvement.

Three Ways, which has 250 pupils, is said to be exceptional for inclusion and of a strong standard for leadership and governance, achievement, attendance and behaviour, personal development and wellbeing, early years and post-16 provision.

It is of the expected standard for curriculum and teaching. Safeguarding standards were met.

The report highlights: “Pupils thrive in an inspiring and compassionate learning community that ensures access to achievement for all.

“Relationships between pupils and staff are highly positive in this warm and compassionate setting. From early years to sixth form, leaders and staff share a strong focus on preparing pupils for adult life.”

Pupils are said to arrive each morning excited for the day ahead. “As staff greet them from their transport, smiles reflect pupils’ happiness and enthusiasm. This warmth pervades the school. Pupils attend well and flourish in the safe and caring environment they genuinely enjoy.”

The report says pupils understand and live up to the three school values of ‘Be ready, be respectful and be brave’.

Developing pupils’ communication is central to the school’s approach and pupils receive skilled support to express their needs and wishes.

An extensive range of trips and activities supports them to develop essential communication and social interaction skills. Partnerships with local football and rugby clubs who run after-school activities nurture pupils’ interests and support their physical development.

Going forward, Ofsted has asked leaders to ensure that teaching consistently builds on what pupils already know so that they all develop their knowledge securely over time.

In response to the Ofsted report, Three Ways School said receiving an exceptional grading for inclusion is a “huge honour”, showing how much pupils care for each other, their community and take pride in everything they achieve.

“It also celebrates our amazing staff team who strive to achieve aspirational outcomes for our pupils every day.

“We couldn’t do it though without the fabulous support of our families and carers, multi-agency teams and local community support and the work of our outreach service Brighter Futures, supporting pupils in mainstream primary and secondary schools locally.

“As a trust we move forwards with plans for the new special school in Keynsham (Charlton House) and also the new special school build on the old Culverhay site (Green Ways) and look forward to working in partnership with our local community to build SEND capacity in B&NES to ensure we have the facilities to offer even more places to ensure our amazing pupils and future pupils shine.”