9:37am Monday 26th July 2010
By James Maden
PROUDLY displaying their medals, staff and pupils at a Hampshire special school celebrate after inspectors described them as outstanding.
The verdict was delivered by schools watchdog Ofsted as youngsters at Springwell School in Southampton broke up for their summer holidays.
Head teacher Jackie Partridge said she was delighted to see the hard work of her staff being recognised.
Parents of the 64 pupils were said to be “overwhelmingly positive” about the impact the school had on their children, with many adding that their youngsters had grown in confidence as a result of going to Springwell.
Inspectors also noted the way in which teachers were able to handle the many different learning needs of youngsters, many of whom have very complex learning difficulties, noting one particular group of autistic children who had learnt to co-operate and share with each other.
Springwell was also praised for its outreach work, helping children with different learning disabilities in schools across the city.
Lead inspector Charles Hackett wrote in the report: “Springwell is a truly outstanding school where the individual needs of pupils are addressed very effectively. Led by an inspirational head teacher, the staff team is totally united in their focused approach to helping each child to achieve.”
The Thornhill school caters for youngsters with complex learning difficulties aged between four and 11 years old with one teacher and three specialist teaching assistants assigned to each class.
Opened in February 2007 Springwell brought together pupils from Netley Court and Ridgeway House schools.
Mrs Partridge said: “We’re delighted because we think it’s the recognition of the hard work by all our staff.
“It also shows the journey that we have come on and the development of the work we do within the school.
“We’re delighted that in only our second Ofsted report as Springwell that we have become an outstanding provider both for children in school and for the support that we give parents out of school.”
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