A KIDDERMINSTER special needs school is celebrating after receiving an outstanding Ofsted report.
Wyre Forest School is a special school for children and young people with a broad range of needs, including physical, social, emotional and learning difficulties, and had 15 children and young people staying at the residency at the time of the inspection.
Inspectors saw 13 of the children and spent time communicating and playing with them.
They felt that children benefitted from meaningful relationships with leaders and carers, who place a high value on them as individuals.
Staff were also praised for having a strong understanding of children’s individual needs, and were described as attentive, showing warm, appropriate affection.
The report added: “Leaders and carers work exceptionally well with education professionals and families to deliver a coherent 24‑hour curriculum for each child.
“Targets are tailored to children’s individual needs.
“There is a strong collaborative approach to supporting progress in areas such as personal care, developing independence in travelling between the residence and school, work experience and participation in household routines.
“One parent told inspectors that the residence has provided her child with ‘skills for life’, which have become increasingly evident since the child moved to a more independent setting.”
Wyre Forest School was also rated as outstanding for its approach to safeguarding, which was described as exemplary.
Inspectors said leaders and staff demonstrate a strong understanding of each child’s individual vulnerabilities and areas of risk, taking a proactive approach to working with external agencies to ensure that children receive the support they need.
Leaders were described as aspirational and highly committed to ensuring that children receive high‑quality care.
The report added: “Leaders and staff speak passionately about their work and clearly recognise the positive impact that the residence has on children’s lives.
“Staff are given additional areas of responsibility, including research‑informed practice, communication and mental health first aid.”
One parent told inspectors they had received lots of emotional support over the last 11 years as a family, adding there was a nice atmosphere at the school.
