Middleton school hails another outstanding inspection result

Cedar Lodge School provides an individualised and bespoke education for up to six boys

A special school in Middleton has hailed its latest Ofsted rating, which saw them maintain ‘outstanding’ status.

Cedar Lodge School, based in Middleton, has retained the outstanding judgement from the education watchdog in each category of quality of education; behaviour and attitudes; personal development; and leadership and management. Cedar Lodge is a trauma-informed school and provides an individualised and bespoke education for up to six boys.

The inspectors, who visited the site in February said in a recent report that pupils “feel safe and happy” at the school – indicated by the high attendance record of pupils.

The Ofsted report read: “Pupils successfully overcome many social and emotional difficulties that they had before they joined this school. They behave impeccably and build trusting and respectful relationships. 

“They are proud of what they have already achieved and highly motivated to take their next steps. By the time they leave, they are more than ready for their transition back to mainstream education.

“The school has set out an ambitious curriculum that reflects its high aspirations for pupils. This curriculum is thoughtfully planned to allow all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), to study a broad range of subjects. In most subjects, this curriculum leads to nationally recognised qualifications.”

The report went on to say how staff have a “pin-sharp” understanding of each pupil’s needs and praised the school’s provision for pupils’ personal development as exceptional. 

Helen Flood Copete, headteacher at Cedar Lodge School, said: “The Outstanding rating reflects the hard work of both pupils and staff at the school.

“We have some remarkable boys who are thriving emotionally and academically in a nurturing environment that, for many of the boys here now and those we have supported in the past, had never previously enjoyed.

“Ofsted was correct to highlight the role of the school’s staff – not just the teachers but also the therapeutic team and support staff – in providing a good environment for learning and personal development.”

Cedar Lodge School is an independent special school managed by Hexagon Care Services. In addition to 13 other schools, Hexagon also provides residential care home services, including therapy and counselling, for young people across the north of England. Cedar Lodge School opened in 2015 and is registered with the Department of Education.

George Lythgoe, Local Democracy Reporter