Thomas Bewick School Receive Good Ofsted Inspection
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Prosper Learning Trust are delighted to share that Thomas Bewick School were inspected by Ofsted on 19 and 20 September 2023 and have been graded as a ‘Good’ provider of education. The report is extremely positive and reflects the ability of the school to maintain the highest standards of provision during a period of intense demand for places.
Thomas Bewick School is a specialist academy for pupils aged 3-19, who have a range of abilities and differences associated with Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) and all pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The school is arranged over three different sites and offers pupils a relevant, exciting and challenging curriculum which is taught and supported by a team of caring, friendly and dedicated staff who are trained in a range of ASC specific approaches and strategies.
Thomas Bewick School became part of Prosper Learning Trust in 2019 and has over 330 pupils following substantial growth over the last few years, due to the significant increase in demand for Autistic Spectrum Condition places in Newcastle.
In the report inspectors commented that “Pupils are nurtured.” They also observed that “Pupils enjoy coming to school. There are established routines that help them to feel safe.”
The Inspectors also recognised that the staff team have “high aspirations for what pupils with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can achieve, that “the curriculum is broad and ambitious” and “pupils benefit from bespoke learning and therapeutic experiences.” They also remarked “There is a strong focus on preparing pupils for adulthood and future careers.”
Daley Barber-Allen, Headteacher of Thomas Bewick School said “I am delighted by the positive feedback received and am pleased that the summary of findings described in the report accurately reflect our journey as a school, and the huge amount of great work that has been done over the past few years. I am constantly impressed by the expertise, skill and team effort I see in school every day which has undoubtedly led to this fantastic achievement. I am also grateful for the continued engagement and support we receive from Prosper Learning Trust and our wider school community, which all helps to make Thomas Bewick a really ‘good’ school. The lead inspector’s final words were ‘I am very excited about this school’ which was lovely to hear... as I couldn’t agree more!”
Chris Richardson, Chief Executive Officer, Prosper Learning Trust said "Thomas Bewick School has faced significant challenges in the last few years, growing rapidly in order to help Newcastle meet the needs of more and more young people with autism in the city. The staff team have worked incredibly hard to ensure that throughout that time the educational experience of all of the pupils there has remained of the highest quality. They provide a rich and appropriate curriculum, great teaching and the highest standards of care. It is wonderful to see Ofsted recognise this during their inspection and the report is a tribute to all who work and learn there."
To see the full report, please see the file below or visit the Ofsted website.
