A SCHOOL for students with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties has been praised for improving the life chances of its pupils.

Inspectors from Ofsted said the Wisbech Continuum School’s broad curriculum, dedicated vocational learning centre and partnerships with Fenland agencies “considerably widens the options of students who focus on work-related learning”.

Lead inspector Mich�le Messaoudi said: “Each student’s learning is supported very effectively by detailed educational plans that are based on schemes of work and take into account the requirements of students’ statements of special educational needs.

“With the opening of the vocational centre, the curriculum has significantly widened, successfully re-engages students in education and serves the needs of all students well.

“Good teaching and strong pastoral care help students to make good progress in their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, in their behaviour and in a wide range of skills that prepare them well for their future.”

The Continuum was praised for its strong teaching and assessment, with teachers said to have a “high level of commitment and care” that is “noted by parents, carers and placing authorities”.

The report, which rated the independent school as good, adds: “They prepare lessons meticulously and have high expectations of students’ organisation and work.

“They demonstrate good knowledge of the subjects they teach. Lesson planning is thorough and informed by details provided in students’ individual educational plans.”

In future the school has been asked to ensure students’ literacy is developed consistently in all subjects, develop the provision for creative learning and make pupils’ learning targets clear, specific and measurable.

Mr Messaoudi told the pupils in a letter: “You will help your teachers to achieve this if you strive to attend regularly, continue to work hard and maintain the highest standards of behaviour.”