A SPECIAL school in Northwich which helps to transform children’s lives has received a glowing Ofsted report following a recent inspection.

Cloughwood Academy, a day and residential special academy for boys aged eight to 18 in Hartford, has been handed an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted.

There are currently 87 pupils at the academy, which also provides extended days and residential places during term time.

Ofsted inspectors praised the facility for supporting its pupils to develop and gain confidence, describing its leaders as ‘inspirational’.

The report reads: “Each child has a behaviour support plan that contains information about potential triggers, phases of behaviours and support strategies.

“Children receive help and support to manage their feelings and behaviours.

“Research-based approaches are supporting children to recognise feelings and self-awareness.

“One parent said, ‘He is a totally different child. He never had any self-belief and staff have really built his confidence. He is now so much more independent and resilient. I am really proud of him.’"

The inspectors also noted that staff celebrate children’s achievements and give them lots of praise, boosting their confidence and self-esteem.

Staff are ‘proactive’ in ensuring that children can access specialist support services to meet their needs.

The report continues: “Leaders and managers are inspirational, confident and ambitious for children.

“They lead by example and have high expectations of their staff to change and improve the lives of children.

“The head of care continues to develop her role and is an active part of the school senior leadership team. She is well supported by the care staff and the headteacher.

“She leads by example, offering support and guidance to the staff to make sure that the children’s needs are consistently met to a high standard.”

One child said: “I love it here, I love the staff, there is nothing I would change.”

Another added: “I like it because it gives me the chance to spend time with my friends.

“I live a long way away from my friends and I don’t get to see them otherwise.”

One parent said about their child: “I know he is happy there. He always comes home smiling.”