Glowing report for school from Ofsted

Inspectors who visited Ivel Valley School in Biggleswade have praised its ‘notable achievement’, ‘outstanding leadership’ and ‘good teaching’.

The ‘typically good behaviour’ of students is also highlighted in the report published earlier this month.

Ivel Valley achieved an overall ‘Good’ rating after the inspection, which took place in July.

Headteacher Julie Mudd spoke of her pride at the report’s findings.

She said: “Everyone works extremely hard to give our children the chance to learn and grow, which hasn’t always been possible for them in other settings.

“The inspectors received many favourable comments from our parents.

“One said ‘I feel my daughter attends a fully inclusive school which is full of opportunity for her.’

“That’s exactly what we’re about – giving all of our children the opportunities they deserve.”

The report gives particular credit to the good behaviour of pupils, which inspectors attribute to the effective policy of staff who have been ‘well trained’.

Teachers have ‘good communication’ with pupils using a variety of strategies, and as a result students are ‘confident’ and ‘have good attitudes to learning.’

The report also praises leadership at the school, which it describes as ‘highly ambitious and focused on achieving the best possible achievement’ for students.

Ivel Valley School is an Area Special School for students aged from three to 19 who have complex learning needs.

Many youngsters have other needs such as sensory and physical difficulties. Some also have social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.