Ofsted praises school for picking up top mark in inspection

A SPECIAL school has been praised by inspectors for its record of getting students back into mainstream education.

Cicely Haughton, which offers day and residential places to pupils aged between five and 11 with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties, has been described as outstanding by Ofsted.

The Wetley Rocks school became the first and so far the only establishment of its kind in the country to achieve the top mark since a new inspection framework was introduced.

Nigel Phillips, who has been headteacher for 18 years, paid tribute to the teamwork of staff and the positive contributions of parents, governors and the community.

He said: "Our pupils have experienced educational setbacks at a very young age but Cicely Haughton exemplifies what can be achieved when everyone involved pulls together and aspirations are high for children.

"I am delighted with this result. It reflects the commitment of all involved in the school from cleaners and kitchen staff to teaching staff and managers. It's a team effort."

The school, which employs 40 staff, currently caters for 50 children.

It was founded in 1944 when Enoch Haughton handed over a 19th century manor house to the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent.

Mr Haughton wanted to create a lasting tribute to his late wife Cicely who had pledged to help "sick and helpless" children.

The inspection report stated: "Cicely Haughton is an outstanding school in which all pupils thrive, making exceptional progress in both their social and their academic development.

"The most remarkable indicator of the school's success is the increase in the number of pupils who successfully make the transition back into mainstream schools."

Ofsted's inspectors also wrote a personal message to students, telling each youngster their willingness to work hard, help each other and take responsibility was "to their credit".

The letter added: "It is the skill of your teachers and the help you receive from all the staff that makes these outstanding things possible.

"It is the staff who keep you safe and give you the confidence to do well. They also provide you with lots of exciting and interesting learning opportunities."

Cicely Haughton's three previous Ofsted reports have given the school a "good" rating.