Special praise from inspectors

From the archive, first published Thursday 12th Apr 2007.

A special school which was criticised in an Ofsted report two years ago has now been praised by inspectors.

The Southview School in Conrad Road, Witham, was judged to be lacking in leadership and management in 2005 but, following a visit last month, inspectors rated every area of the school as level two - good.

The latest report praised current interim headteacher Gary Pocock, who is also headteacher of The Edith Borthwick School in Bocking, as well as his predecessor John Baker.

The inspectors expressed their approval about the refurbishment and extensions to the school, and the new curriculum which features personal, social and health education.

They also noted a dramatic improvement in the quality of teaching, but they recommended an increase in the opportunities for pupils and students to learn beyond school, through residential experiences in particular.

Southview School caters for pupils aged three to 19 who have physical and neurological impairments and learning difficulties.

Mr Pocock said: "The support from our entire school community has been outstanding over the past two years and it is great to be able to move forward now with confidence.

"We have been a centre of excellence for communication for some time and can now apply for specialist status to support schools and children across the county.

"I would like to pay tribute to all the governors, parents and carers, staff, pupils and students who have made such a difference to the future of the school.

"In particular, I would like to recognise the outstanding leadership of John Baker who was the headteacher before me and made such an impact on our direction."