PRAISE has been handed to a Warrington school that was graded 'outstanding' in two areas following an Ofsted inspection.

The Kassia Academy in Padgate had a visit from education watchdogs back in June and achieved the highest grading for behaviours and attitudes and personal development .

With the other areas of the report being graded 'good'.

The Fallowfield Grove special school, which acts as a a pupil referral unit for children who have social, emotional and mental health needs, was praised for its 'ambitious' and 'enriched' curriculum  during the glowing report.

And inspectors also highlighted how the teachers are 'highly skilled' and deliver the curriculum 'successfully'.

Inspectors picked up on the element of reading being at the centre of the curriculum and how this has helped students at the academy.

"Pupils enjoy reading. For example, pupils regularly use the school library, which contains a wide spectrum of books, written by a diverse range of authors. Those pupils who find reading more difficult are supported well by staff."

Also addressing the SEND provisions at the school, the report continued: "All pupils at the school have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

"A large proportion have an education, health and care plan.

"The school identifies specific learning needs accurately when they enter the school. Staff work closely with external specialists, including speech and language therapists, and parents and carers."

Executive head at The Kassia Academy Lindsay Regan said she was 'thrilled' by the outcome of the inspection.

The Kassia AcademyThe Kassia Academy (Image: Google Maps)

She said: "Having led the school originally as head teacher since 2020, myself and my team of dedicated staff  have worked tirelessly to re-engage learners in education with the aim of improving life chances for some of the most vulnerable young people in Warrington.

"We are absolutely delighted with the Ofsted judgment we received following our inspection in June."

 During the report following the inspection, inspectors also highlighted pupils behaviours as 'praiseworthy' at the setting, recalling how classroom settings are 'calm and purposeful places' where the students engage fully in lessons.

An inspector added: "The school promotes pupils’ personal development exceptionally well.

"For example, pupils raise funds for different worthy causes and participate in beach cleaning events.

"The school council is highly active. School councillors put forward their ideas for school visits and after-school clubs."

Continuing to comment on the Ofsted grading, Ms Regan said: "This judgement is a fantastic achievement for our school.

"Our students, many of whom have experienced trauma and have complex SEND and behaviour needs, are a credit to the dedicated and compassionate staff who support them every day.

"This outcome reflects the hard work and resilience of our entire school community and I couldn't be prouder."