A specialist boys school in Middleton where pupils 'thrive', behave 'impeccably' and have a 'sophisticated vocabulary' is celebrating a glowing Ofsted report.

Cedar Lodge School is a trauma-informed school which provides individualised and bespoke education for up to six boys in Middleton.

The special school, which is operated by Hexagon Care Services in Preston, first received an 'outstanding' grade from the education watchdog in 2019 and has maintained the high status in a recent follow-up inspection.

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Ofsted inspector, Ben Hill, had plenty of praise for the provision in his report published last month, writing the pupils "behave impeccably" and feel "safe and happy" in its "nurturing and supportive environment" from the moment they arrive.

The report revealed many of the students who come to the school do not know how long they will be there for but that they "rarely" miss a day of school from the time they join.

Mr Hill said the boys "catch up quickly" with the education they have missed in the past and that they "grow in confidence" and develop "exceptionally" positive attitudes towards learning.

The inspector described the curriculum as "ambitious" and "thoughtfully planned", supporting all students including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), while promoting a love of reading.

Mr Hill found the students read for pleasure and "relish" the chance to suggest new titles for the school's library which has helped them to develop a "sophisticated vocabulary".

The boys can also sit examinations at various points during their placement, meaning they have "every opportunity" to achieve qualifications before they leave, even if they attend the school for a short time, and can go on to pursue further education at college.

Cedar Lodge was also praised for helping pupils overcome any social and emotional difficulties they had prior to joining.

The inspector said its focus on students' personal development is "exceptional", writing: "This provision makes an undeniable contribution to pupils' excellent behaviour".

He added: "Staff make the most of every opportunity to guide pupils’ learning about living in modern society. Nothing is left to chance.

"As a result, they grow more curious about the world and eager to play a positive role in it."

The curriculum emphasises preparing the students for adulthood in lessons from democracy and healthy relationships to the dangers of substance misuse.

Beyond the curriculum, the students also benefit from participating in community events, such as meeting civic leaders and elected officials and baking cakes for elderly residents. 

Finally, the report revealed the proprietor, leaders and staff are also a major credit to the school's success and "are rightly proud" of Cedar Lodge.

The inspector found staff have a "pin-sharp understanding" of each pupil's needs and share high expectations of them.

Meanwhile, specialist teachers in each subject explain concepts clearly, pay attention to how well pupils are learning and are "quick to spot any emerging misconceptions and skilfully adapt their teaching in response".

In turn, this leads to the students building "an interconnected body of knowledge, which they articulate with impressive fluency", Mr Hill added.

Celebrating the glowing report, Helen Flood Copete, headteacher at Cedar Lodge School, said the 'outstanding' rating reflects the hard work of both pupils and staff at the school.

She continued: “We have some remarkable boys who are thriving emotionally and academically in a nurturing environment that, for many of the boys here now and those we have supported in the past, had never previously enjoyed.

“Ofsted was correct to highlight the role of the school’s staff – not just the teachers but also the therapeutic team and support staff – in providing a good environment for learning and personal development.” 

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