Ofsted praises Salwick specialist school’s pupil support
A specialist primary school in Salwick, for boys with additional social, emotional or mental health needs, has been praised by Ofsted for its “transformational impact” on pupils.
The inspectors awarded Aurora Keyes Barn School an ‘Exceptional’ judgement for inclusion and ‘Strong Standard’ judgements across all other key areas. Their report highlighted the school’s highly personalised approach, the remarkable relationships between staff and pupils and the life-changing difference the school makes to children who have previously struggled in education.
In recognising inclusion as ‘Exceptional’, the inspectors said it “proudly underpins the school’s transformational impact on pupils’ learning and development”. The report highlighted how every decision, intervention and interaction is centred on individual pupils’ needs and praised the school’s ability to help children thrive through tailored support and strong partnership working with families and professionals.
Located in Salwick near Preston, Aurora Keyes Barn School is a specialist, independent primary school for boys aged five to 12 who face challenges associated with additional social, emotional or mental health needs for boys.
Inspectors found that pupils achieve extremely well from their starting points and are “extremely well prepared for their next steps in education”. The report also praised the school’s broad and ambitious curriculum, high expectations for attendance and behaviour, and the extensive enrichment opportunities that help pupils develop confidence, independence and aspirations for the future.
Welcoming the report, Headteacher Dalziel McAlister said she was pleased that Ofsted had recognised the outstanding inclusive culture that exists throughout her school.
She said: “Every member of our team is committed to ensuring that pupils feel valued, understood and able to succeed in their own way. This report reflects their dedication as well as the trust of our families and, most importantly, the resilience and achievements of our pupils. I’m delighted that inspectors saw the positive, nurturing environment that makes Aurora Keyes Barn such a special place to learn and grow.”
The report noted that whilst many pupils joined the school with negative experiences of education, staff worked quickly to understand their needs, build trusting relationships and remove barriers to learning. Inspectors highlighted the school’s peaceful and purposeful atmosphere, describing it as a place where pupils “thrive and flourish” and where praise, laughter and achievement are ever-present.
Keyes Barn school is part of The Aurora Group, one of the UK's leading providers of education, care and support services for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).