Ofsted inspectors rate Southlands School in Boldre as ‘outstanding’ across the board

INSPECTORS have rated Southlands School in Boldre as ‘outstanding’ in every inspection category.

After a two-day visit in February, Ofsted officials gave the special-needs school in Vicars Hill the highest possible rating for the quality of its education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership.

The independent school was previously rated ‘good’ in all assessment categories.

The report stated: “The school provides pupils with a highly engaging and enriching educational experience. Some pupils report that this is the first time they have had a positive experience in a school setting.

“The commitment to understanding the needs of pupils and providing an ambitious, individualised curriculum is central to the school’s success. As a result, pupils achieve success and are extremely well prepared for the next stage of their education.”

Inspectors said the school’s leaders “tailor” the curriculum to meet pupils’ requirements due to a “clear and precise” identification of each individual’s needs.

They wrote: “As a result of the combined therapeutic and academic offer, pupils achieve exceptionally well.

“The school is highly aspirational and keeps the curriculum broad for pupils so their chances of obtaining qualifications are not narrowed. Lessons in social thinking and support from the clinical wellbeing team supplement the curriculum offer.”

Ofsted noted that the school supports its curriculum with trips, visits and activities that support learning in key areas and potentially connect to future careers.

Safeguarding arrangements at the school, which has 50 pupils aged seven to 19, were described as “effective”.

The report added: “The school recognises that some pupils are particularly vulnerable to online risks. Staff remain alert to any indicators that this may be the case and also support pupils to understand these dangers.”

Southlands principal Alison Priddle said: “We are extremely proud to have received an ‘outstanding’ judgement from our recent inspection. The result is a credit to the commitment and dedication of the whole Southlands team, the children, and our parents.”