Presfield High School and Specialist College has been praised by Ofsted as being a ‘Good’ school.
Inspectors were impressed by the warm welcome given to pupils at this “happy and inclusive school”.
They also spoke about how students at Presfield are excited to be getting a new school library soon, and how they have enjoyed playing a central part in designing the new facility.
There are 125 boys and girls at the school, on Preston New Road, Churchtown, Southport, aged between 11 and 19 years old.
In their report, Ofsted said: “Each day, pupils are warmly welcomed to this happy and inclusive school.
“They benefit from a culture that celebrates uniqueness and difference. This provides them with a sense of respect and belonging.
“Pupils enjoy strong, caring relationships with adults, who know them well. They value the wide range of pastoral support that adults offer them. They trust that there is always an adult available to help them if they are worried.
“The school has high expectations. Staff put no ceiling on what they want pupils to achieve by the time they leave. They are successful in ensuring that most pupils achieve well.
“Pupils, all of whom have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), are well prepared for their next steps in education.
“Pupils behave well around school. Adults help them to learn well and to socialise during break and lunchtimes. They skilfully help them to regulate their behaviour and manage their emotions.
“Pupils enjoy the opportunities that the school offers them to develop themselves personally and ready themselves for adult life. For example, pupils, including students in the sixth form, learn to use public transport, go shopping, cook meals and complete domestic chores.
“These valuable activities equip them well for life outside school. They become increasingly confident and independent.
“Reading and enjoying books and stories have a high profile in the school. Pupils are excited to be getting a new school library soon. They have played a central part in designing the new facility. The school has a good understanding of where all pupils are in reading development.
“Adults help pupils who find reading more difficult. They support them effectively.
“Pupils’ behaviour is good. The nature of many pupils’ needs means that they might occasionally disturb lessons. When this is the case, adults skilfully keep disruption to a minimum. Pupils enjoy a harmonious environment that ensures effective learning.
“The school has worked hard to improve the attendance of pupils, which had dipped following the COVID-19 pandemic. There are signs of improvement in this area.
“The school offers a range of opportunities to increase pupils’ awareness and enjoyment of the world around them. Pupils visit museums and galleries and enjoy a range of residential experiences where they learn to climb, cave, kayak and abseil.
“Older pupils and sixth-form students take part in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme and have the opportunity to be reading and sports mentors at the local primary school.
“Comprehensive careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) are available to pupils. This includes work experience, work-placement opportunities and other practical experiences, which are all aimed at developing pupils’ confidence, resilience, and independence skills.
“Governors hold leaders to account for their work to improve the curriculum. They are an effective, knowledgeable and experienced governing body.
“Staff feel that the new leadership team is considerate of their workload and well-being and take this into account when making changes.
“They are proud to work at the school.
“The school works tirelessly to help parents and carers both pastorally and in relation to their children’s education.”
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