A SCHOOL that provides specialist services for children and young people with a dignosis of autism and associated complex needs is “delighted” with its latest Ofsted result. 

Sedgemoor Manor School, located in Mark, near Highbridge, has been rated ‘good’ after inspectors visited between May 23 and 25. 

The school has 63 students on its roll, who are aged between seven and 19. 

It offers specialist support to help students build confidence, resilience and independence skills to pursue their passions and aspirations.

The report says: “Pupils thrive at this calm and nurturing school. They describe the school as unique and say it feels like a ‘home from home’.

“Pupils feel listened to and say that staff understand them well.

“They learn to value their education because staff help them to experience success without lessening ambition.

“Staff have high expectations of pupils. Pupils are motivated to meet these.

“They respond positively when staff remind them of expectations through rolemodelling and reinforcing positive behaviours.

“This is successful because of the strong relationships between staff and pupils.

“The impact of this is a reduction in more challenging behaviour, which both staff and pupils recognise and appreciate.”

It adds: “Pupils welcome the wealth of opportunities to develop their independence and give them the chance to hold roles of responsibility, such as school council, animal care and running their own clubs.

“Many parents praise the school and how it has enabled their child to learn successfully. They say it has transformed their lives as well as those of their children.”

The report also says staff understand pupils' needs and personalise their learning.

Staff – including therapists – have the “precise details” they need for each pupil, helping them overcome barriers they face because of their needs. 

School leaders have also forged successful partnerships with local colleges to make sure pupils can gain the experiences and qualifications they need.

Headteacher Emily Bott said: “We are delighted Ofsted has recognised the work staff do at Sedgemoor Manor to ensure students progress in all areas of their lives.

“The staff at the school are totally committed to ensuring that each young person develops the skills they need to learn, live and interact with the world around them.

“Over the course of the inspection children and parents alike spoke positively about their experiences at school and how it had changed their lives after previously struggling in education.”

Nancy O’Regan, chair of governors said: “Sedgemoor Manor School is a fine example of how a specialist school should be operating to meet the needs of its pupils.

“At every level, there is commitment to ensuring pupils are safe, curious about their learning and are given so many diverse opportunities to explore the wider world and their community.

“The child is at the heart of all the decision making and the staff and leadership team should be very proud of what they have achieved; a wonderful report that is reflective of the dedication to the children who attend the school.” 

Sedgemoor Manor School is part of Aspris Children’s Services, one of the leading providers of specialist education and residential care services in the UK.