Attention and care pay off
Maidenhead: Ofsted inspectors praise inclusive school
Pupils at Forest Bridge School have been praised by Ofsted for being ‘happy and proud ambassadors’ of their inclusive school.
During a two-day inspection in January, the education watchdog confirmed that Forest Bridge continues to be a good school.
It was last judged as ‘good’ in June 2018.
The report, which was published on March 4, praised the Braywick Park school for ‘the care and attention given to pupils’ to ensure their ‘self-confidence and social skills grow exponentially’.
They added: “For many pupils, Forest Bridge School ignites their curiosity and enthusiasm for education.
“As one pupil said, ‘This school is like my second home’.”
Forest Bridge School is a special free school catering to pupils with a range of special educational needs or disabilities which moved into a new, purpose-built premises in March 2021.
Ofsted inspectors said high expectations are ‘part and parcel of everyday routines’, staff are proud to work at the school and ‘most parents would recommend the school to others’.
Headteacher Elizabeth Farnden said: “As the Headteacher of Forest
Bridge School, I am delighted to share the outcomes of our recent Ofsted report.
“It reaffirms our commitment to providing an inclusive and nurturing environment, where our pupils not only achieve academically but also develop socially and emotionally.
“The report highlights the positive relationships between staff and students, the expertly designed curriculum tailored to individual needs, and the strong emphasis on personal development.”
The Ofsted report highlighted that students have several opportunities to develop their talents and interests by learning musical instruments, volunteering in the community and organising events to collect donations for causes they support.
Inspectors described playtime as ‘joyful and active occasions’ and said pupils ‘wholeheartedly’ contribute to the life of the school by becoming monitors and members of the popular school council.
The education watchdog also praised the ‘expertly designed’ curriculum, which is ‘crafted’ and ‘sensibly adapted’ so that pupils are not overwhelmed, and learning is manageable.
Inspectors said students develop respect and tolerance for differences in people with one pupil saying: “It doesn’t matter whether someone is gay or transgender. We treat each other as equals and with kindness. We do not tolerate any discrimination.”
Talking about improvements, Ofsted said there were minor inconsistencies in how well the school’s phonics programme is taught and teachers must help pupils make links in their learning so that they learn and remember more across the curriculum.
Elizabeth added: “Our continued good rating is a testament to the effectiveness of ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) and the hard work and dedication of our entire school community. We remain dedicated to fostering an environment where every pupil can thrive and feel valued.”