Ofsted praise for ‘outstanding’ work at Lincoln special school

A SPECIAL school in Lincoln, described as a place where “everybody smiles” is celebrating after being awarded an outstanding rating by Ofsted.

St Francis Community Special School in Wickenby Crescent was praised by inspectors for its academic and residential provision.

The school is one of those that will take pupils from Queen’s Park School if planned closures go ahead.

Head teacher Ann Hoffmann said: “I am delighted that all the hard work undertaken by the whole team of the school and residential area is recognised and celebrated by such an excellent report from Ofsted, at a time when the inspectors are working to a much stricter inspection framework.

“The number of schools across the country with such a rating is very small. I am extremely proud of the pupils and our staff team.”

The report was summed up with a comment from one pupil, who said: “Everybody smiles”.

Reporting inspector Susan Lewis said: “The leadership team, staff and governing body are determined to give the pupils ‘the best possible opportunities so that they achieve the best that they can’ and are highly successful in this.

“Parents and carers recognise this and comment on how the school is prepared to ‘go the extra mile’ for both them and their children.

“Excellent care, support and guidance coupled with outstanding teaching and learning enables each pupil, regardless of their age, gender and level of learning need to succeed very well indeed.

“Every pupil’s uniqueness is celebrated, respected and catered for through careful and detailed assessment of their needs.”

The double inspection also looked at the school’s boarding section and the accommodation and care it made available to its resident pupils.

Social care inspector Mark Ryder said: “The boarding provision of this school demonstrates an exceptional commitment to students with complex physical and learning needs.

“Students are highly positive about their experiences of boarding and find their time stimulating and fun. Recommendations from the last residential inspection have all been met.

“Staff understand the students and their needs extremely well and provide a warm, stimulating environment where there is a culture of respect and understanding.

“The leadership and management of the boarding provision are excellent, providing students with an exceptional level of care and support.”