'Outstanding' Ofsted rating for Westfield Arts College in Weymouth

Westfield Arts College was previously inspected in November 2016 when it was rated 'outstanding'.

Westfield, in Littlemoor Road, Preston, caters for children and young people aged four to 19 with moderate learning difficulties and a range of additional needs.

The latest inspection took place on Febraury 21 and 22. Inspectors reviewed the school’s curriculum, which includes a vision of ‘broadening horizons’, giving every pupil a rich and varied experience throughout their education.

They looked very closely at the provision for teaching reading, maths and the creative arts, finding that the quality of education was 'exemplary' and meets the needs of all learners through individual and personalised approaches.

They also focussed on the safeguarding of all pupils, commenting that the school has 'a very strong culture of safeguarding'.

The behaviour and attitudes of pupils were found to be a real strength in the school.

Pupils are well supported and guided to make pro-social choices, treating each other and staff with respect and kindness, inspectors found.

Relationships were another key strength, with a member of staff commenting on ‘a climate of kindness’ across the school.

Lead Ofsted Inspector, Jen Southall, reported: "The quality of education and care pupils receive is outstanding.

"Leaders ensure that pupils learn an aspirational curriculum that meets their needs exceptionally well."

Westfield pupils working on the construction of the school's roundhouse (Image: Westfield Arts College)

Headteacher, Seán Kretz said: "I am incredibly proud to lead a wonderful team of staff and work with our amazing pupils.

"The inspectors saw what we see every day, and I’m delighted that they recognised the strength of this and the quality of the work we do with all our pupils.

"A strong sense of community is hugely important to us, so we’re pleased that parent carers are so positive about what we offer their children."

Bruce Bonwell, chairman of governors, said: "This Ofsted report is just reward for our wonderful staff who throughout the pandemic and other recent challenges have worked tirelessly to develop and provide outstanding education and personal development for all our children."