A SPECIAL secondary school in Winsford is celebrating after being judged 'outstanding' by Ofsted inspectors.

Staff at Oaklands School were commended for maintaining the highest standard of education since their last inspection in 2015.

Headteacher Neil Oxley said: "The outstanding ethos and the ‘the best for all, best from all’ motto is something that is at the heart of school life.

"I am proud of all the staff in how they are fully committed in helping each young person make progress and develop necessary life skills.

"I am really proud of the many successes and accomplishments Oaklands has and continues to have and I am pleased that some of these were identified in our recent inspection."

The school on Montgomery Way teaches pupils aged 11 to 17 with moderate learning difficulties.

In a glowing report, Ofsted inspector Julie Bather said: "Every pupil is treated as a unique individual, yet every school member is part of a supportive, warm and friendly community.

"The excellent relationships between staff and pupils establish firm foundations. Pupils are happy, confident learners.

"Staff have high expectations of what pupils can achieve. The curriculum is exciting and allows pupils to learn the core subjects of English, mathematics and science alongside creative options such as music, art and media.

"Teachers plan lessons to spark imagination and enthusiasm so that pupils are excited and engaged in their learning."

Northwich Guardian:

Oaklands School headteacher Neil Oxley with pupils Tom Marshall, Braedyn Moles, Alicia Longworth and Mark Wakeling

Inspectors met staff and parents, scrutinised pupils' books, records and documents, observed lessons and invited parents and carers to complete a questionnaire.

Mr Oxley, headteacher since January 2018, was praised 'for establishing strong and trusting relationships with the whole school community'.

Inspectors said: "All parents and carers who responded to Ofsted's questionnaire were extremely happy with the school. They could not praise the school enough and talked about the difference it had made to their children's academic and personal progress."

A very strong culture of safeguarding was found with robust policies and procedures. Staff training was described as 'comprehensive'.

The report added: "Staff are vigilant and quick to spot changes in a pupil's behaviour or emotions that may indicate a cause for concern.

"Pupils said they always had a staff member they could talk to. They said their concerns were always listened to and staff were quick to help.

"Parents talked about the warm and welcoming environment of the school."

Year 11 pupils who left school last year all achieved a number of nationally recognised qualifications and moved successfully into a college or training provision.

Pupils' behaviour was described as 'impeccable'.

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"The school is a calm and orderly environment," said inspectors. "Incidents of bullying are very rare. The school's behaviour policy is applied consistently across the school. It sets clear expectations for staff and pupils and consequently pupils know and understand the procedures and routines.

"Pupils are respectful and welcoming and able to chat to visitors with confidence.

"Parents said that their children love being in the school.

"The school certainly lives up to its motto: 'the best for all, the best from all'."

Headteacher Mr Oxley added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the parents and carers for the support that they provide to the school and the staff and also to the other key stakeholders and agencies who provide opportunities for our pupils.”