An Ipswich SEND school has "transformed" according to school inspectors over the last four years to secure a good Ofsted rating.

Since The Bridge School, in Sprites Lane, Ipswich, was taken over by Unity Schools Partnership inspectors noted that while many pupils do not communicate verbally they have been able to find a voice. 

The school was placed in special measures in 2018 and in this recent inspection has been  rated good in all five categories – quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision.

The school has pupils with a range of special educational needs and severe learning difficulties.

The report said: “Staff understand that pupils’ SEND mean that they all have different needs.

“Approaches that work well for one pupil may not work for the person sitting next to them. “Staff are adept at adjusting what is taught, and how it is taught, to meet pupils’ individual needs.

“Leaders see communication as the heart of the curriculum. They recognise that helping pupils to communicate is one of the school’s most important roles. Staff focus strongly on finding the right approach for each pupil.”

Tina Sharman, interim headteacher at The Bridge School, said she, and all staff, took “great pleasure and pride” in the report.

She added: “I believe that this report reflects the journey the school has been on over the past four years and the dedication and hard work each member of staff involved with the school has provided.

“I look forward to working with all our parents and our wonderful children to increase opportunities and experiences as part of their holistic education at The Bridge School.”

The report added: “The curriculum is well focused on helping pupils to prepare for adulthood.

“Throughout pupils’ time at the school, leaders keep this crucial end point in mind. Most pupils are unlikely to be able to lead fully independent lives as adults.

“The school focuses well on helping pupils to develop as much independence as possible.

“The school is now securely good, with ambitions to be even better.”