Quay View School in Bere Alston praised by Ofsted

Quay View School in Bere Alston, Devon, has been recently rated as ‘Good’ overall and ‘Outstanding’ in the assessment category ‘Personal development’ by Ofsted.

In the recent Ofsted report, inspectors said: ‘Before they join Quay View School, many pupils have had negative experiences with education. This school helps raise pupils’ aspirations. Regular ‘education and enrichment’ days introduce pupils to the wider world. Pupils also complete work experience. Through this, many are inspired to secure voluntary work, employment or continue their education in the school’s sixth form and beyond.’

The inspectors went on to say: ‘Pupils’ personal development sits at the heart of the school’s curriculum. Trusted adults teach carefully thought through lessons where pupils can learn and make mistakes in a safe environment. Pupils engage with their learning and progress well through the curriculum as their personal, social and emotional needs are met. Pupils become sports leaders and school councillors. They see how these roles make a difference in their school. Pupils at this school become safe, well informed and responsible British citizens.’

The report continued: ‘Pupils have education, health and care (EHC) plans that determine how their special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) should be met. Parents, carers and pupils recognise the school as a happy place where pupils’ needs are understood. Pupils attend school regularly. The school is ambitious for its pupils and committed to ensuring pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education or employment.’

Ofsted also further praised the school’s personal development offer and how it ‘builds pupils’ independence and prepares them for adulthood exceptionally well.’

Quay View School, which is part of the Education division within Aspris Children’s Services, is an independent specialist school for children and young people aged 7 to 19 years with complex needs. This includes an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs and associated learning difficulties.

Stuart Ridley, Head Teacher at Quay View School, said: “We are delighted to have received such a positive report which truly reflects the support we provide to our students and how we help to equip them with a brighter future. It is a privilege to lead such a committed staff team and I want to take this opportunity to thank them for their hard work, they do a brilliant job in helping young people to make such positive progress. I also want to pass on a massive thanks to our young people and their parents/carers for working so closely with us to make this such a great school community.”

Nancy O'Regan, Regional Director at Aspris Education, said: “Stuart and all of the staff team at Quay View School do an excellent job in helping young people to achieve their full potential as reflected in the report. Everyone involved with the school should be so proud of what they have achieved and deserve a huge congratulations.”

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