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Provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) at Burnt Mill Academy is “strong”, Ofsted has confirmed.

Inspectors visited the Ofsted-rated Outstanding school to monitor both the SEND provision and behaviour management.

They visited lessons in a range of subjects, reviewed students’ work, met with leaders and spoke with the governing body, the local authority and students.

The inspectors reviewed documents relating to behaviour, attendance, exclusions, pupil movement and complaints about safeguarding arrangements.

In a follow-up letter to head of school Laura McGlashan, being promoted to headteacher in September, Her Majesty’s Inspector Andrew Hemmings noted: “Inspectors’ evidence confirms that leaders are effective in meeting the needs of pupils with special educational needs and / or disabilities and in managing pupils’ behaviour. They ensure that there are high expectations for pupils to achieve well across the curriculum.”

With regards to SEND provision, he highlighted –

• “You assess pupils’ needs when they join the school and give pupils the help they need.”
• “You pay for additional time from an educational psychologist to ensure that you have sufficient access to expert advice.”
• “You train staff in how to work with pupils with SEND.”
• “You make appropriate adjustments to help these pupils meet your high standards.”
• “Pupils with SEND benefit from the same high expectations as other pupils. This helps them to make strong progress in their studies.”
• “Provision for pupils with SEND is strong.”

With regards to behaviour, the inspector commented on the school’s “positive relationships between staff and pupils” and “effective systems for managing pupils’ behaviour”. He added: “Low level disruption is rare and carefully monitored. You use the information you gather to identify negative trends in behaviour and to address these before they become problematic.”

In conclusion, under the heading “Priorities for further improvement”, the inspector stated: “None identified at this time in relation to the aspects of provision considered during this inspection.”

Helena Mills CBE, BMAT CEO, said: “I am delighted that Burnt Mill has kept its Outstanding status. I am also so pleased that inspectors found what a highly caring and inclusive school this is.

“Our high expectations of behaviour and outcomes really do help all children to achieve great things.

“We are passionate at BMAT about providing our SEND pupils with the best possible education, one where they are happy but also successful. We want to help them to achieve their dreams.”