"Outstanding" features at special educational unit
A special educational unit in the Vale of Glamorgan has been
praised by independent inspectors for providing pupils with a "wide
range of valuable experiences."
The pupil referral unit at the Amelia Trust Farm, off Five-Mile
Lane, Barry, caters for pupils aged 11 to 14, most of whom will
have been permanently excluded from their "home" school. It is said
by inspectors to provide a "unique learning environment which is an
outstanding feature," achieve "good standards" and offer "good
value for money."
The inspectors report a "good improvement" since the unit's last
inspection six years ago and "good features and no important
shortcomings" in relation to pupil achievement, teaching, training
and assessment, learning experiences, guidance and support,
leadership and strategic management, quality and standards achieved
and efficient use of resources.
Although for many pupils, say the inspectors, inappropriate and
unacceptable behaviour has resulted in permanent exclusion from
school, overall youngsters behave well and this contributes to
their learning. The unit is successful in laying the foundations
for lifelong learning and this is an outstanding feature, they
add.
Pupils make good progress in the development of key skills and
show competence and confidence in applying knowledge in new
situations. "Pupils' attitudes to learning, the interest they show
in their work and their ability to sustain concentration are good
features," they add. "Pupils who have negative experiences
previously become positive and highly motivated to succeed and
develop an increasing eagerness to learn."
Relationships between pupils and staff are viewed as excellent,
and the former are well cared for within the context of a "safe
environment" where they feel secure and valued. Their personal
development is a significant strength.
The inspectors also refer to the very high quality of
relationships within the classroom and the very good knowledge
staff have of the pupils and the difficulties they experience.
The quality of teaching is also described as being a significant
strength and, providing a "broad and balanced" curriculum, teachers
and high quality support staff are praised for their skill in
developing good and supportive relationships. Teaching is described
as "vibrant with a good variety of activities to sustain pupils'
interest."
A very good feature is how pupils are able to learn from first
hand experience the responsibilities, management and maintenance of
a working farm. The curriculum, they say, is enriched through a
good range of visits and visitors and through access to the
facilities of the Amelia Farm Trust.
Leadership and management are described as good at all levels,
while a management committee is very supportive, and members are
very involved in the unit's work.
Community links are described as "very good," and the inspectors
say the unit is held in high esteem by other agencies and community
organisations, deriving great benefit from its links with and
through the Amelia Trust Farm.
Welcoming the report, headteacher Julie Teagle said: "It is
pleasing that the report has recognised our strengths, the progress
made over the last few years and acknowledged the hard work of the
dedicated staff and partner agencies including the tremendous
support of the Amelia Trust."