A special school where pupils “enjoy rich experiences” has achieved a positive Ofsted rating.
The Edith Borthwick School in Enterprise Drive, Braintree, has achieved an 'expected standard' rating after an Ofsted inspection in January.
The school has 241 pupils, all of whom have an education, health and care plan, and who have severe and complex learning difficulties, including autism.
“A typical day starts with a warm, well‑organised arrival. It continues with calm, clear lessons that help pupils settle and succeed,” the inspector wrote.
They added the predictable rhythm helps pupils feel safe and ready to learn, ensuring they are comfortable being themselves around staff who understand their unique ways of learning.
“Staff notice the smallest signs of discomfort and act quickly,” Ofsted said.
“Adjustments are thoughtful and often subtle, enabling pupils to focus on learning alongside their peers. This also supports improving attendance and respectful behaviour.
“If a pupil faces a setback, sensitive support typically helps them move forward again.”
Ofsted officials said pupils’ achievement is shaped by personalised targets that link to their education, health and care plans.
School leaders take a supportive approach to attendance difficulties, the report said, and attendance is improving as a result.
“Leaders and staff have created a calm and caring culture that supports positive behaviour,” Ofsted officials said.
“They teach pupils clear strategies to help them feel settled and focused on learning. Staff model kindness and respect every day. This supports pupils to feel safe, understood and ready to learn.”
Ofsted noted next steps for the school, which included that leaders should ensure teaching is consistently effective to maximise pupils’ achievement, manage part-time timetables more effectively, set clear goals, and refine strategic planning.
Learning is personalised, with each pupil working towards the long-term goals in their education, health and care plan and their personalised education plan.
Inspectors said: “Staff use established routines and resources skilfully. As a result, pupils steadily develop early communication skills, such as using gestures or tracking with their eyes, and they show enjoyment when engaging with sensory activities.”
They added pupils “enjoy rich experiences that help them feel proud of their school and community”.
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Headteacher Sam Lawrence said: “We are particularly pleased to report that we have achieved expected standard across the board in our recent Ofsted report. This accomplishment is a testament to the sustained commitment and collaborative approach that characterises our school.
“The inspection report has been notably comprehensive in its recognition of the positive work undertaken throughout our school. It clearly identifies and celebrates the exceptional relationships that exist between learners, staff, and our wider community. These relationships form the foundation upon which all meaningful learning and development occur, and their strength is reflective of the care and intentionality with which we approach our work each day.
“Our learners, teaching and support staff, families, and local partners have all contributed meaningfully to this outcome, and we are genuinely grateful for their unwavering support and engagement."
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