‘Little gem’ returns with good marks
ASCHOOL where Ofsted abandoned an inspection because there were no pupils is now celebrating after it was rated as good in a return visit.
The government watchdog was at the Eden School, an independent school for children with additional needs in Macclesfield, which has room for up to eight students.
And inspectors graded it as good overall as well as outstanding in sub-categories of outcomes for pupils and personal development, behaviour and welfare.
There were also ratings of good for leadership and quality of teaching.
Last September Ofsted has visited the school, which has annual fees of £34,515, but were unable to press ahead with the inspection because it did not have any pupils at the time.
Headteacher Sarah Earing said: “I am absolutely thrilled with this outcome for Eden School but especially for (lead teacher) Jen Lamidey and (learning support assistant) Kelly BoagMunro.
“The work they have done with the young people in less than an academic year is nothing short of phenomenal.
“The young people at Eden School are thriving and enjoying education for the first time in their lives.
“The needs of not only the young people but also the families are so carefully considered that the impact can also be felt outside of school.
“I cannot wait to see what the future holds for this little gem in Macclesfield.”
Inspectors praised the school for the passion of its staff, the support pupils are offered and its ‘engaging curriculum’.
The report stated the school could improve by maintaining its website and planning maths and reading to address gaps in pupils’ learning.
It said: “Leaders and staff are guided by the genuine belief that every pupil deserves a chance ‘to be the best they can be’.
“Pupils make strong progress from their starting points.
“The positive relationships that they have with staff and the good-quality teaching and learning that they enjoy ensure that pupils make rapid progress.
“Parents and carers cannot thank staff enough for giving their children ‘hope for the future’.”
The school, which is on Chelford Road, is run by Family Care Associates and was registered in February 2017. It takes pupils aged six to 16.