'Good' news for Newark Orchard School as Ofsted report sees improvement

Ofsted has awarded the Newark Orchard School a 'Good' rating after it "improved considerably" from its previous inspection.

The school that caters for diverse needs no longer requires improvement as Ofsted gave it a "Good" rating in its June report, with an "Outstanding" score for personal development, behaviour and welfare.

It highlighted the school has a "welcoming and caring ethos" where pupils feel safe and eager to learn, as well as taking pride in their work and sharing achievements with staff and visitors.

"Underpinning the school's approach, there is a strong commitment to the welfare of each pupil and their family, with the focus on enabling pupils to overcome the difficulties they face and prepare them for a successful future. Pupils and staff adopt a

‘can do’ approach to each task they undertake," said the report.

Teaching standards were said to have developed also with pupils making "substantial progress" both academically and personally because of the teachers' "high expectations" of what students are able to achieve.

It added: "Pupils show excellent attitudes in class, enjoy learning and are motivated to do their best. Teachers and their assistants are skilful in adapting the work they ask pupils to do to make sure all pupils are able to access learning. Their strong understanding of the pupils’ individual needs means any barriers are overcome."

The good news comes after construction on the school begun on June 20, as part of an ambitious £15 million project to rebuild the split-site school with state-of-the-art buildings, in place of the ageing premises at Appletongate, Newark and London Road, Balderton, which are described as the worst school properties in Nottinghamshire.

Responding to Orchard School's positive achievement, head teacher Margot Tyers, said her school is very happy with the Ofsted findings that are a "great representation" of the hard work that goes into supporting a diverse range of children.

She said:"We are delighted that, going forward into our rebuild, we can only get better with the new facilities we will have. We are good in all areas and outstanding in one, and, by acknowledgement of Ofsted, very close to being outstanding in all."

The highlight of the report, however, was Ofsted's 'Outstanding' rating of the school's personal development and welfare, with an intense focus on individual student capabilities and goals.

Ofsted added: "Very good relationships between adults and pupils contribute strongly to this aspect of the school’s work. Adults have consistently high expectations and pupils respond very well. Despite the many difficulties pupils face, they put their trust in the adults who work with them and they keep on trying. Small steps of success are celebrated by all."