GREENBANK Residential School has received an ‘outstanding’ rating from Ofsted following an inspection.

The school is a local authority-maintained school for 11 to 18-year olds who have moderate to severe learning difficulties.

The residential provision provides care, support and educational opportunities for 44 young people. A maximum of 14 students can stay each night.

Inspector Denise Jolly said: “A holistic approach to learning focuses on the whole child and underpins the excellent progress young people are making in their education, social and emotional development and their practical independence.

“Each young person contributes to an assessment of their individual needs, and their wishes play an important part in the targets that are developed.”

The staff in Greenbank are praised throughout the report for their understanding of what matters to young people and what concerns them.

The inspector said: ”Young people said that they readily communicate with staff if they are worried or upset and that staff always do their best to help them.

“They gave examples of how staff have responded and resolved their concerns.

“Young people also said that the activities in the community help them to understand some of the problems they might encounter and that this helps them to learn about being safe while being out and about.

“Staff understand the increased vulnerability of disabled young people. The training they receive contributes to this knowledge.

“They act quickly to report any concerns that they may have, and these are escalated promptly to external professionals when necessary.”

Mike McCann, headteacher said: “The governors, care manager Jackie Boniface and myself are thrilled with the ‘outstanding’ judgement received from the latest residential Ofsted report.

“Students who attend Greenbank school have a diagnosis of autism and communication difficulties.

"There are currently 101 pupils on roll, 42 of who access schools’ residential provision.

“The dedicated staff work exceedingly hard to ensure all students are included whilst recognising their individuality to ensure that the needs of all the young people are met.”