ADVENTURE PURSUITS CURRICULUM HELPING TRANSFORM LEARNING
Ofsted rate school ‘good’ on first inspection
A SCHOOL where pupils do outdoor pursuits as part of their curriculum has been praised for its innovative approach.
Children who attend Peak Education’s school in Audley combine classroom activities with adventure learning including kayaking, rock climbing and mountain biking.
This helps to build their self-esteem, resilience and social skills.
Now the independent special school has been rated as good across the board in its first ever Ofsted inspection.
The report said: “Leaders and staff place pupils at the heart of all that they do.
“Staff are determined that all pupils should succeed, and make sure they do. Pupils say, ‘school is brilliant because the teachers look after us’.”
Staffordshire-based Peak specialises in running outdoor activities at sites such as Treetop Adventure, in Trentham, and Astbury Watersports Centre, near Congleton.
Audley is one of four schools run by the company. It caters for seven to 14-year-olds who have social, emotional and mental health needs.
At the time of the Ofsted visit, there were 14 pupils on roll.
Inspectors said: “Leaders use the outdoor activities to help pupils to be more successful and engaged in the classroom.”
But they have recommended developing closer links between this and the classroom-based work, which also has strengths.
“Teachers work hard to develop pupils’ love of reading, as this is a challenge for many pupils,” added the report.
To support children’s emotional needs and pastoral care, every pupil has a key worker.
Staff also manage challenging behaviour effectively.
Yet some children’s attendance needs to be better, despite pupils saying they enjoy going to school.
The inspectors found staff also value the support they are given themselves by management.
Executive headteacher Andrew Mccreedy said he was ‘thrilled’ with Ofsted’s positive findings.
He added: “The report recognises the value of our unique blend of educational, enrichment and adventurous programmes, which support our students to achieve their potential.
“I am proud of the commitment and dedication of all our students, parents and carers, and our staff for their contribution to our fantastic school.”