“Good” Ofsted report for Chartwell House School in Newton

A school for boys with behavioural difficulties has received a glowing Ofsted report.

Chartwell House School, in Newton, was praised for the quality of teaching and the one-to-one support given to students.

The school accommodates boys with Attention Deficit and Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) as well as language, speech and communication problems.

Susan Lewis, lead inspector, who visited the school in September, said: “Good attitudes to learning and excellent attendance help to ensure that students make good progress.

“Good teaching is linked to detailed planning which generally takes good account of students’ interests and individual needs.

“Intensive one-to-one support helps students to make up the ground which has been lost, in English and mathematics, due to previously disrupted schooling.

“Leaders work hard to ensure students have the confidence to complete courses of study and achieve well.”

The good behaviour of students is a result of a strong bond between them and staff, the inspector said.

She said: “Students’ behaviour is good because of the high expectations of staff and the strength of relationships they build with students.

“Students feel very safe, trust staff and have a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe.

“The proprietors are highly supportive of the school. They ensure teachers have the training and resources they need to further improve teaching and learning and students’ progress.

“They listen carefully to students’ views. Along with the head teacher, they check carefully on how well students are doing and take swift action if any are falling behind.”

To move from “good” to “outstanding”, the school must make work suitably challenging for the more able students and use

marking and homework more effectively.