Ofsted inspectors have highlighted areas a ‘Good’ Isle of Wight pupil referral unit could improve.
It follows an inspection of the Island Learning Centre (ILC) by the government’s education watchdog.
This inspection will not change the school’s Ofsted rating as it is not an official ‘graded’ inspection, but it was the first time Ofsted had visited since it was judged to be ‘Good’ in 2018.
Inspectors said the school continues to be ‘Good’ but from what they had seen if they were to carry out an inspection to rate the school now, the “inspection grade might not be as high”.
Overall pupils are positive about attending the ILC and like the small class sizes, which help to maintain a calm and purposeful atmosphere.
In their report, the inspectors said:
“The school is keen for pupils, who all have special educational needs, to do well. However, these ambitions are not fully realised in practice.”
As a result, pupils sometimes achieve well but it is not consistent across different subjects of year groups.
The ILC offers alternative education provision for 80 children and teenagers who have been permanently excluded and those who are too medically unwell and emotionally vulnerable to attend mainstream schools.
Inspectors say pupils welcome the support from and respond well to staff, appreciating how they are listened to and their potential nurtured.
The interim headteacher, who joined the ILC in June 2023, has empowered staff, inspectors said, to begin to address weaknesses in the school.
Pupils’ attendance has improved considerably but remains too low, inspectors said, but new leaders are working to address this so more pupils receive a full-time education when they join the school.
Support for weaker readers is underdeveloped and the ILC should ensure additional support is strengthened and suitable books are available.
The ILC has established a coherent curriculum, inspectors said, but it is ‘inconsistently implemented’ and pupils do not achieve well consistently.
The management of behaviour is not yet fully consistent, and on occasion some pupils’ behaviour disrupts learning, but the school has established clear expectations for pupils’ conduct.
The ILC has been contacted for comment on the recent Ofsted visit.
The ILC has undergone changes in recent months after the Isle of Wight Council removed primary school-aged pupils from the unit.
PCC Urges People To Hand In Blades To Curb Knife Crime Epidemic
Isle Of Wight Council Signs Tobacco Control Declaration In Commitment To Smoke-Free Future
Hoarding Removed From Ryde Interchange To Reveal Smart Glazed Exterior
Levelling Up Minister Pays Visit To Isle Of Wight To Address £20m Ryde Investment Plans
HRH The Princess Royal Meets East Wight Primary School Children Learning To Sail In Seaview
Maritime Units Heading For Isle Of Wight Armed Forces Day
Funding Boost For Council Chairman's Chosen Charity
Medina Way Works In Place This Sunday
Islander Georgie To Star On BBC1's Great British Sewing Bee
Labour's West Wight Candidate Outlines Island Plan
Scam Warnings Issued For Isle Of Wight
Islanders Invited To Take Part In Charity Fire Walk For St Catherine’s
New Company To Bid For Digital Radio Licence On The Isle Of Wight
Police Respond To Anti-Social Behaviour Involving Electric Motorbikes In Puckpool
New Records Set Following ‘Extraordinary’ Walk The Wight
Appeal Launched Following Ryde Cashpoint Theft
Islanders Urged To Make Sure They're 'Emergency Ready'
Cast Your Vote For New Sea Defence Scheme To Win People's Choice Award
Operation Sceptre - A Number Of Surrender Bins Across Isle Of Wight
Man Jailed For Ryde Burglary And Knife Offences
