In February, Forestwood School, at Cygnet Bury Forestwood, underwent a full, unannounced, inspection by the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted).
Forestwood School is the education provider for all young people admitted to Cygnet Bury Forestwood, on Buller Street, which offers Child and Adolescent Mental Health services.
Following the recent inspection, it is rated Good in all key areas; quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.
Inspectors noted: “Forestwood School is a haven for its pupils who flourish because of the care, kindness and support that they receive from staff.
“Pupils develop the confidence that they need to reconnect with their education where they may have found learning difficult in the past. They are well-mannered and they value the respectful relationships that they enjoy with staff. Pupils are happy and safe.”
The report highlighted how pupils make a positive contribution to the life of the school. For example, they have helped to design the outdoor space so that it meets their sensory needs and enjoy a range of opportunities to be creative such as through art projects and music.
Inspectors were also impressed that some pupils enjoy paid roles at the school, for example, as classroom assistants and librarians, saying “the school prepares pupils well for adulthood.”
The report also praised the commitment of the school to ensuring that each student has a bespoke curriculum unique to their needs and inspectors applauded the standard of teaching.
It read: “Pupils study an ambitious curriculum. Staff use their strong subject knowledge to make effective checks on what pupils know and remember. They ensure that pupils address any gaps that they may have in their learning successfully.
“As a result, pupils quickly build a strong sense of achievement. The praise that staff provide helps pupils to feel motivated by their studies.
“The school’s provision for pupils’ personal development, including in the sixth form, helps them to become resilient and independent young people. They know how to keep themselves safe and healthy.
“The school’s programme of careers education helps pupils to move on to meaningful destinations with success.”
Headteacher Wendy Webster said: “I am delighted with the report. I particularly liked the use of the word “haven” to describe the atmosphere of the school.
“All the staff have worked hard to improve the environment to ensure that all students feel comfortable and nurtured which in turn promotes increased confidence in achieving educational progress.
“The inspectors recognised that our experienced and passionate staff are able to find the educational gaps, ensuring that students are well prepared for the next stages in their education. I am very proud of the whole team and feel privileged to be working with them.”
Ed Hall, Head of Education at Cygnet Health Care said: “The report reads very well and is a testament to the hard work of the school and hospital staff. To have their commitment (to ensuring all young people will benefit from education despite barriers) recognised, is a just reward for the team’s effort. The inspector also praised how Cygnet values education as an integral part of a young person’s treatment whilst in hospital. Keep up the good work!”
