THE latest Ofsted inspection of Fosse Way School, in Radstock, has found the special school to be ‘highly inclusive’ and meeting the needs of pupils as well as celebrating their achievements.

The school, which supports children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) from ages three to 19 years, was inspected in January.

According to Ofsted’s new-style report card, Fosse Way achieved a ‘strong standard’ and ‘expected standard’ in a total of seven out of eight categories and also met its safeguarding standards.

Lead inspector Julie Carrington noted the low absence rate for students, and the positive relationships which school leaders built with parents, carers, and external agencies.

Ms Carrington commended the school’s leadership and said: “Leaders' highly ambitious inclusion strategy sits at the heart of the school’s work.

“Their work has a palpable impact over time on the achievement and experiences of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.”

Fosse Way’s personal development programme was highlighted as being ‘ambitious and highly effective’, and inspectors praised the learning around life skills such as food technology, online safety, and artificial intelligence, and ‘high-quality’ work experience at the school’s learning café, Longfellows.

Ms Carrington commended the post-16 provision,and said: “Leaders and staff have an unequivocal focus to prepare pupils for adulthood and ensure that pupils are ready for their next stage by the time they leave.”

Headteacher Fiona Skinner, said: “This report highlights the many strengths that make Fosse Way School such a special place to learn and grow.

“It recognises our students’ excellent behaviour, our inclusive ethos, our strong personal development offer, and the continued success of our sixth form.

“These are achievements we are extremely proud of and they reflect the dedication, professionalism, and care shown by our entire staff team every day.

“We are particularly pleased that the report celebrates the positive culture within the school and the way our students are supported to thrive both academically and personally.”

However, the inspectors did note that the early years provision at the school needed further improvement.

Ms Skinner said: “As a school, we had already identified some areas in this provision which we wanted to develop and had begun implementing improvements before the inspection took place.

“It is encouraging that the inspectors recognised this progress, and we are pleased with the significant strides that have already been made.

“We remain fully committed to continuing this work so that our youngest learners receive the very best possible start to their education.”

Fosse Way School is a member of The Partnership Trust, a multi-academy trust of 17 schools in Bath and North East Somerset, and in Somerset county.

Partnership trust chief executive Emily Massey said: “Congratulations to all at Fosse Way School and its wider community on such a positive Ofsted report.

“Given the current challenges in SEND education it is testimony to the school that they achieve above national average results and, as the inspectors noted, prepare each and every one of their students so well for life beyond school.”