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NeneGate School, part of Meridian Trust, is celebrating a glowing Report Card following an inspection under the new Ofsted framework, which took place in March.
The Peterborough-based specialist SEMH school for 8–16-year-olds has been rated ‘Strong Standard’ in three key areas: Inclusion, Leadership and governance, and Personal development and wellbeing. The remaining three areas of Achievement, Attendance and behaviour and Curriculum and teaching were all rated as ‘Expected Standard’.
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Under Ofsted’s revised framework, single-word overall judgements have been removed. Instead, inspectors now assess how effectively schools meet the needs of all pupils. The new five-point scale positions ‘Expected Standard’ as the benchmark for secure performance, while ‘Strong Standard’ recognises excellent, consistent practice that is making a real difference for children and young people.
A standout strength identified by inspectors was leaders’ “highly effective oversight of inclusion”. They reported that the school “ensure that pupils’ individual needs are identified and assessed with precision. All staff know pupils’ needs well.” As a result, “pupils feel a sense of belonging” and “are fully included in all aspects of school life.”
Inspectors also highlighted the school’s ambitious culture and high aspirations for every pupil, noting that there is “no ceiling placed on what pupils can achieve.” They praised leaders for “reducing barriers to learning and wellbeing” and recognised the school’s “effective work with external agencies, including social care, mental health services and the virtual school”.
Support beyond the classroom was also commended, with inspectors noting the school “provides targeted support for families which is sensitive and helpful. All of this contributes to pupils and their families maintaining positive mental health.” Overall, they concluded that “pupils thrive in a safe and supportive environment.”
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Leadership and governance were similarly praised. Inspectors reported: “Leaders are knowledgeable and have a precise understanding of the school’s strengths and priorities for improvement,” leading to “rapid and sustained improvement across the school.” They added that “leaders at all levels, including governors and trustees, strive to ensure the best provision for their pupils” and “consistently take decisions that are in the best interests of pupils.”
Inspectors also celebrated the school’s “ambitious and effective personal development programme,” which “is closely matched to pupils’ needs and prior experiences.” The Report Card notes: “The personal development programme has a positive impact on pupils’ development. Pupils build effective social skills and learn to work cooperatively with others. In addition, they develop self‑belief, confidence and resilience.” Careers education is also strong and “pupils benefit from a range of opportunities that introduce them to work‑related environments.”
Headteacher, Catherine Wilson, said: “We are incredibly proud of this Report Card. To see our work in inclusion, leadership and personal development recognised as ‘Strong Standard’ is a testament to the dedication of our staff and the trust of our families. Every day, our team works to ensure pupils feel safe, valued and fully included, and it is wonderful to see inspectors highlight the impact of that commitment.”
Mary Abeyasekera, Executive Director of SEND at Meridian Trust, added: “It is fantastic to see the hard work of Miss Wilson and her team recognised in this Report Card. This outcome reflects a school community that believes in its young people and never stops striving for them, truly encompassing our shared Meridian Trust value that achievement is for all.”
Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to Peterborough Telegraph, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.
Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to Peterborough Telegraph, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.