Ofsted visited the school over two days in November, speaking to teachers, pupils and parents, and awarded the good rating for its quality of education, attention to personal development, behaviour and attitudes, and leadership and management.
Ed Hall, Head of Education at Cygnet Health Care, said: “It is fantastic to receive such a positive report from Ofsted as it reflects the hard work and talent of our teachers. I was very pleased to see that our efforts to meet the individual needs of pupils have been recognised.”
Vicky Povey, Headteacher at the Excel and Exceed Centre, said: “I am incredibly pleased with the recent Ofsted inspection results. It has been, and continues to be, a challenging year with COVID and the impact of the pandemic on our young people and staff has been significant.”
She added: “Throughout the pandemic, our staff have continued to demonstrate dedication and commitment each and every day to ensure our young people have the best possible education during their stay at our hospital. I am delighted that that has been recognised by the inspection team and feel incredibly proud to be part of such a fabulous team.”
In their report, Ofsted inspectors noted that pupils have a positive view of the school and appreciate how cheerful the teachers are. They said: “Pupils’ well-being is given the highest priority by all adults in school. Pupils feel safe. They know that staff are ready to listen and act on any concerns or worries.”
The leadership at the school was also praised in the report, noting that leaders at the Excel and Exceed Centre are ambitious for all pupils to make a successful return to mainstream education, training or employment when they leave the hospital. This is achieved through a carefully organised, broad and engaging curriculum and individualised plans of support for each pupil.
It was also noted that the school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective and staff are well-trained to understand pupils’ particular vulnerabilities and keep them safe.
Cygnet Hospital Bury provides a range of inpatient mental health services for men and women, including specialist deaf services and CAMHS provision for children and adolescents. The hospital is also rated ‘Good’ by the health and social care services regulator, the Care Quality Commission.