Pupils learn quickly and make good progress at the Holy Brook School

The Holybrook school is one of several schools in Reading inspected by OFSTED. Below is the press release stating the Good judgement by OFSTED that is well deserved by all at Holybrook in giving an excellent education to children with special educational needs.

Ofsted find that pupils “learn quickly and make good progress” at The Holy Brook School

21/11/2014
Reading Borough Council Press Release
A SCHOOL that supports some of Reading most vulnerable children has been awarded a good rating after a recent inspection by Ofsted.

The Holy Brook School is a special school for pupils with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties, and additional learning difficulties, such as autism.

In a report published today, Ofsted inspectors praised the teaching at the school as being “typically of high quality” and noted that the “pupils develop good attitudes to learning.”

Report highlights include:

• Leaders and the governing body have maintained good quality teaching and high standards since the last inspection
• Teaching is good across the school. Members of each class team work well together
• Pupils make good progress in developing new skills, knowledge and understanding in lessons. All groups of pupils achieve equally well
• The achievement of pupils who are eligible for additional funding is the same as other pupils in the school. Their achievement is typically higher than that of similar pupils nationally
• Pupils’ behaviour and attitudes are good. They make good progress in their personal development and in beginning to manage their own behaviour. Pupils enjoy being at school. Their attendance is high

The school was commended for involving pupils in the wider community. School visits to a leisure centre and different places of worship “give pupils a better sense of the community in which they live” and “prepare pupils for living in modern Britain”, inspectors found.
The report goes on to say that “the school contributes much to the education of children with challenging behaviour throughout the local authority by supporting staff in local schools.” Holy Brook’s Pupils’ “are beginning to close the gap between their attainment and that of mainstream pupils nationally.”

To help the school achieve the highest rating in their next inspection, Ofsted has suggested that the school work on making teaching consistently outstanding; that there be more clarity around what counts as a serious incident; and that planning be more focused on the most important priorities.
Jenny Picket, Chair of Governors said:
“We are delighted that the inspection recognises the high standards provided by the school. The headteacher, staff and governors are committed to delivering an effective education to some of the most vulnerable children in our community, ensuring that they make good progress.”

Cllr John Ennis, Lead Member for Education said:
“The Holy Brook School staff, pupils, parents and governors are to be congratulated on this excellent Ofsted report.
“Inspectors have praised the school for narrowing the gap in attainment between their pupils and those at mainstream schools not just locally, but on a national level. This is a great achievement and I wish the school the very best as they go from strength to strength."

ENDS

Notes for Editors:
The Ofsted report for The Holy Brook School can be found here http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/ELS/110193