A COMMUNITY special school in Poole has been graded as good following a visit from Ofsted inspectors.

Winchelsea School was given the high rating across the board for aspects such as the behaviour and safety of pupils and the quality of teaching.

The school, in Guernsey Road, Parkstone, has 140 pupils between the ages of four and 16 and with a wide range of learning difficulties. The team of 80 staff are led by head teacher Rachel Weldon.

She said: “The school has been on a rapid improvement journey and we are extremely pleased that Ofsted recognised the improved outcomes for pupils at our school. Staff, governors and pupils have worked exceptionally hard, and I would like to thank them again for all their efforts.

“We are very excited about our future as we continue our journey to be outstanding for our pupils, families, staff and wider community.”

The school, which was rated as requiring improvement at its last inspection, has now been praised by inspectors for pupil engagement and high standards of teaching.

Inspectors said: “Pupils quickly gave inspectors many examples of lessons and activities they like, but struggled to find examples of activities they disliked. This high level of enjoyment of learning spurs pupils to do their best. One pupil stated of staff that ‘because it is a special school, they know me’.

“Staff have high expectations of pupils, and they respond well to them. There is much laughter in the school, as teachers make sure lessons are enjoyable as well as productive.”

They said in order for the school to achieve an outstanding rating, it needs to ensure work is pitched at the right level to challenge pupils fully and improve the consistency of marking pupils’ work, so it makes clear to pupils what they should do in order to improve.

Chair of Governors Sally Apps added: “The governing body is very proud of the achievements at Winchelsea, which have been recognised in the recent Ofsted report.

“Rachel Weldon has provided a strong leadership to drive through the necessary change in a very short period of time. These changes have only been possible by the professionalism, hard work and dedication of staff to ensure the best possible outcomes for the children of Winchelsea.”