Pupils, staff and pets joined the celebrations after their school was rated ‘Good’ in all areas by Ofsted as school where pupils are 'valued and nurtured' celebrates report.
Inspectors praised the “rapidly improved” Emily Wilding Davison School in Ponteland commenting on the “high expectations for pupils’ behaviour and achievement” and how pupils are “valued and nurtured.”
The report described the school as a “calm and pleasant place to learn” led by a “strong, successful team who genuinely want the best for pupils in their care.” Emily Wilding Davison School is a co-educational secondary school provision for pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.
Headteacher, Dr Michael Hutchison, said: “I’m very proud that Ofsted has recognised the hard work and dedication of our team and how they want the very best for all our young people.
“Key to our journey has been working in partnership with our students, families, the local authority and wider school community and we would like to thank them for their support.
“I would particularly like to thank our young people and congratulate them on all they have achieved over the last year.”
Inspectors visited the school in July and found that pupils receive “strong support” for their mental health and staff “help pupils to reduce their anxiety and develop their confidence;” teaching them to understand and manage their emotions.
The school’s core values of respect, integrity, compassion, honesty and trust are woven through the school’s curriculum, which is “broad and aspirational” and designed to meet the needs of pupils. Relationships between staff and pupils are “positive and good-natured" and the school ensures that pupils are safe and have staff to turn to if they need help. Staff also teach in the community to help pupils with high anxiety to access learning.
The school has been working closely with a dedicated School Improvement Board made up of governors and staff from Northumberland County Council’s School Improvement team, inclusion officers and HR.
Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet member for Inspiring Young People, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone at Emily Wilding Davison School on this report.
“It recognises how staff want the very best for pupils and go the extra mile to support them to thrive and reach their potential.”
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