The Pinetree School in Thetford is rated ‘good’ by Ofsted four years after ‘requires improvement’ grading

An alternative provision setting where pupils with special needs are supported to get back into school and succeed has been graded ‘good’ by Ofsted.

The Pinetree School, in Staniforth Road, Thetford, was inspected over September 26 and 27 and graded good for overall effectiveness.

The school, which is part of Unity Education Trust, was previously rated ‘requires improvement’ by Ofsted, in 2019.

Pinetree School is for pupils whose primary Special Educational Needs (SEN) is clearly identified as Social, Emotional, Mental and Health (SEMH) and have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

It prioritises places for those pupils who do not have a current long-term school place including Permanently Excluded (PEX) and Children Missing Education (CME).

The recent Ofsted report said: “Pupils arrive at the Pinetree School having had numerous failed educational experiences.

“All are pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Here, they are supported to get back into school and succeed.

“Over time, pupils become more motivated and gain the qualifications they need to move on to appropriate college placements at age 16.”

The report also says pupils have positive relationships with the staff, they feel safe and well supported and understood as individuals, and most are happy and engaged.

Pupils’ work is adapted to meet their own individual needs but is appropriately challenging, the report added. Pupils study a curriculum that contains a high focus on academic knowledge together with work on life skills, developing resilience and tolerance.

Head of school James Rice said “We are thrilled to have been rated ‘good’ in our Ofsted inspection.

“We have worked really hard to improve the quality of education we deliver. Our full curriculum is carefully adapted by our teachers to ensure pupils with large gaps in their previous learning can access the curriculum. Pupil behaviours have improved substantially.”

The Ofsted report also said: “Several pupils have been non-attenders in the past. Leaders work very closely with them and their families to get them into school. This has succeeded for many, with most pupils in school regularly.”

Mr Rice added: “We have seen a sharp improvement in our leavers’ destinations also: last year saw 100 per cent of our pupils, who are considered to be at high risk of being NEET (not in education, employment or training) gaining a college place or apprenticeship.”

Director of specialist provision Katrina Warren said: “I am delighted that our school has received a ‘good’ rating following our latest Ofsted inspection.

“All of our staff follow our three priorities: attendance, behaviour and engagement. These priorities are key to getting our pupils to succeed.”

Glyn Hambling, chief executive officer for the trust, said: “The rating of ‘good’ is a true testament to the commitment of all the staff and collaborative working ethos of Unity Education Trust.

“We will continue to drive improvements for the benefit of some of the most vulnerable pupils in the Eastern region.”

The Ofsted inspectors rated the school ‘good’ in the categories of quality of education, personal development and leadership and management, while behaviour and attitudes was ‘requires improvement’.

The report said a minority of pupils were still demonstrating ‘very challenging behaviour’ and using poor language more than they should.

Another area highlighted for improvement was ensuring that it is clearer what pupils will be taught, and when, over an entire key stage.

The school currently has 36 pupils, from Years 7-11.