Winchelsea School in Poole awarded 'Good' rating by Ofsted

Winchelsea School in Guernsey Road, Poole was subjected to two days of scrutiny by OFSTED, with inspectors praising the “strong, nurturing relationships” developed between pupils and staff. 

The special needs school is attended by 202 pupils from ages four to 19 – with 11 pupils attending the sixth form. 

Read more: Key findings of Ofsted's BCP Council children's services visit

Winchelsea School (Image from Google Maps)

The report also noted staff member’s “high expectations” of pupils in their learning and wider development, adding: “Pupils trust that adults will help them. They are confident that staff have their best interests in mind.  

“As a result, the school is a calm and purposeful place to learn, where pupils do not have any concerns about bullying or the behaviour of others.” 

Ofsted also said leaders at Winchelsea School “designed a curriculum which is responsive and bespoke to the individual needs of the pupils.” 

It added: “The personal development of pupils is woven through everything that the school offers. The current curriculum theme is strengthening pupils’ awareness of how to regulate themselves, using strategies including ‘tool kits’ developed when they start school.  

“Pupils of all ages are challenged to transfer what they learn in the classroom to their regular visits out and about in the local community and through links with local businesses and sports clubs.” 

Read more: Heathlands Primary Academy rated 'Good' in Ofsted report

The report said improvements were indeed needed, saying: “For some pupils, learning is not adapted successfully in some subjects. As a result, pupils do not learn as well as they could. Leaders need to ensure that they have an accurate view of how successfully all pupils learn in their areas of responsibility. 

“Leaders, including governors, do not have an informed overview of the impact of the school’s actions towards overcoming barriers for disadvantaged pupils. As a result, the impact of actions is not always clear. Governors need to ensure that they challenge leaders effectively so that they have an accurate overview of the impact of funding on disadvantaged pupils.” 

Headteacher Geoff Cherrill said: "We are incredibly proud of the whole school community following our recent Ofsted inspection.  

“The grading reflects the enormous amount of hard work that staff have done over the past few years, particularly during the pandemic.  

“In addition, our pupils' families are supportive and caring.  

“However, we are particularly proud of our pupils. Their behaviour and attitudes are genuinely outstanding and to have that confirmed for the first time ever is something they thoroughly deserve."