Double "Outstanding" award for RNIB Pears Centre

March 2013

RNIB Pears Centre for Specialist Learning has achieved a double "Outstanding" grading following a recent Ofsted inspection of the school. This rating is in addition to the "Outstanding" grading of the children's home, which is regulated separately.

Andy Moran, Head Teacher at RNIB Pears Centre, said: "I'm delighted that the quality of our education has been rated to be outstanding by Ofsted, as well as our care. I know that staff, parents, governors and in particular the young people are very pleased with this outcome. It confirms to us that we're doing the right thing for the young people we support."

Lesley-Anne Alexander, RNIB Chief Executive, added: "These fantastic achievements demonstrate our continued commitment to delivering exemplary services for children and young people with complex needs who are blind or partially sighted, and our commitment to sharing this specialist expertise with others."

Key findings

Ofsted's "Outstanding" rating is the highest given and means that the school 'is highly effective in delivering outcomes that provide exceptionally well for all its pupils' needs'.

The report fully supported the school's ambition to use its expertise to further develop its outreach service, which offers specialist advice and support to teachers and students in other schools, both special and mainstream.

Achievement of pupils

"Staff possess a detailed knowledge of every student and this supports them in achieving the best possible outcomes."
"Increasing proportions of students are reaching or exceeding their targets even though these are individually challenging."
"Technology is used very effectively, opening up new and exciting ways for students to communicate with others."

Quality of teaching

"The achievement of students is so positive because of the outstanding impact of the teams that support learning in every class… the role of other adults, such as teaching assistants and therapists, are crucial in supporting every student to fulfil their physical and learning potential."
"The sixth form is outstanding. It continues to offer high quality teaching while supporting students' moves towards becoming more independent."
"The constant focus on learning produces positive outcomes and boosts individual progress."
"Students enjoy their learning and this is reinforced by a review of personal achievement that ends every lesson. Students are encouraged to be proud of their work and celebration often marks these discussions."

Behaviour and safety of pupils

"Behaviour and safety are a high priority… Carefully devised and implemented individual behaviour plans successfully identify ways in which, over time and with outstanding support, such challenges can be moderated or overcome."
"Care is taken to make sure that students get on well together and support each other, including safe use of the internet. The promotion of positive social skills is just one important element in the successful promotion of wide-ranging spiritual, moral, social and cultural development in the school."

Leadership and management

"Leaders support staff in making an outstanding contribution to the lives of their students."
"Relationships with other professionals who support the students and with their parents are exceptional. Parents show tremendous support for and confidence in the school."
"Themes and topics are taught in highly individual ways to meet the particular needs of all students. They also provide many positive opportunities for enrichment through a range of clubs, visits and activities."