The Essex school where children can enjoy sailing and 'build pride and confidence'

A specialist school in Essex for young boys with social, emotional and mental health needs has impressed Ofsted inspectors. The Langham Oaks school, near Colchester, has been graded 'Good' having been told they 'require improvement' since 2018.

The school works closely with outside agencies to improve pupil attendance. This has resulted in many pupils attending more frequently than they did, but inspectors say there is still some room for improvement.

Inspectors visited the school between October 1 and 2 this year for a review of the establishment's grading. A report published by Ofsted praised the time staff take to understand pupils' "often complex backgrounds and special educational needs and/or disabilities".

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They added: "[Staff] help pupils settle well into a stable school life. Staff celebrate important small successes, so pupils build pride and confidence in their own abilities."

In a newsletter for parents, Headteacher Alan Wells said the school was graded Good in the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management. He added: "We are extremely happy that the hard work of our staff has been recognised and I'm sure you'll join me in congratulating everyone who works at our school. We are also extremely proud of the way the boys conducted themselves during the inspection."

The Ofsted report details that pupils know what is acceptable in their community, learn from their mistakes and have high regard for staff that care for them. The report also mentions a variety of lessons designed to support children and keep them fit and healthy, including sailing, 'coastal school', the cooking of healthy meals and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme.

Inspectors said: "Since the previous inspection, the school and trust have improved the curriculum. All pupils access a range of curriculum subjects through three bespoke ‘pathways’. Each subject is broken down into helpful building blocks that support pupils to grow their understanding.

"The curriculum is adapted well around the accurately identified needs of the pupils. The life skills curriculum, for instance, equips pupils with the tools to build effectively on their social and emotional knowledge."