A school for children who have spent significant time outside of education was praised in its Ofsted report thanks to staff creating a “safe, calm and nurturing environment”.

Grow Independent School, in Barrowford, achieved a positive rating in its first Ofsted report, with it attaining the mark of "good" in all judgement areas.

A report published on Friday, November 15, described that children had “positive relationships with staff”, who helped them recognise their feelings and cope with their emotions.

The report said: “Pupils appreciate the safe, calm and nurturing environment that the school provides.

“Pupils get on well with each other. They are respectful of each other’s needs and show empathy and tolerance.

“The school is ambitious for pupils. Many pupils have had significant periods of time out of education.

“However, they develop a love of learning at this school and rise to its high expectations for their achievement. Pupils are keen to gain the qualifications that they need to be ready for the next stage of their education.”

The curriculum was considered to identify the essential knowledge and vocabulary that pupils should learn but fell short in not being broad enough – especially at Key Stage 3.

Subjects such as design technology, languages and music remain in their infancy and pupils lack a sufficient breadth of knowledge.

Staff were highly skilled in adapting to the needs of children with special educational needs and delivering the curriculum effectively to meet these needs.

The report added: “Mostly, teachers have the expertise that they need to help pupils to build knowledge successfully over time.

"Staff choose suitable teaching approaches and learning activities that engage pupils.

“This helps pupils to develop confidence and a sense of achievement. Teachers identify gaps in pupils’ knowledge and use this information effectively to shape future learning.”

Reading received a massive uptake since pupils joined the school thanks to a library that is rich of high-quality books and ignites pupil’s interests.

It remains in the early stages of implementation and continues to support pupils who have gaps in their reading knowledge.

Behaviour was also commended, and children were said to be committed to their education and have positive attitudes to learning.

The report added: “Many pupils have had previously high levels of absence. The school takes effective action to improve the attendance of pupils.

"This has brought about significant and sustained improvement in how well pupils attend.

“The school has ensured that the education it provides has a positive impact on pupils. The proprietor is fully involved in the life of the school and knows the school well.”

Effective steps were said to be taken to reduce staff workload, and teachers were said to engage positively with parents and carers to further support their education.

Parents were said to consider the school in high regard thanks to the positive relationships fostered.

Health and safety standards were kept to a good standard, and there was considered to be a safe outdoor space where pupils could spend their breaks.

The arrangements for safeguarding were considered to be effective too.