R.E.A.L. Independent Schools Mansfield has been rated Good by Ofsted after a recent inspection.

The report described R.E.A.L. Independent School (RIS) Mansfield as providing pupils with a fresh start to their education and said the school wants the best for pupils.

One learner they spoke to said: “Everyone understands me. I am accepted here.”

R.E.A.L, whose head office is based in Mansfield, offers alternative provision across the East Midlands for children and young people between the ages of seven and 19. Established in 2008, the past 16 years has seen R.E.A.L. grow into four independent special schools, as well as offering vocational provisions and personalised educational programmes.

Adrian O’Malley, director of education at R.E.A.L. said: “We’re extremely pleased with the outcome of this inspection which is testament to the hard work that the whole staff team put in to enable us to provide a ‘GOOD’ education for our learners. The points highlighted to improve had already been identified by our Head of Schools and remain in our School Improvement Plans.”

The report found that the curriculum is designed specifically to meet the diverse needs of pupils, is ambitious, and subject planning is skillfully crafted.

Inspectors recognised staff spend time getting to know each learner as an individual, taking into account their strengths and interests, while supporting learners to improve their self-esteem and change their attitudes to a ‘can do’ narrative.

The report also acknowledges that parents and carers are full of praise for the school. One parent said: “The school has made a huge difference to our lives.”

The report makes the fourth Good inspection for RIS Mansfield and highlights how its vision of “we believe every child has a future” is evident throughout the school.

Kirsten Gibson, head of Schools at R.E.A.L. said: “We’re incredibly proud that the provision we’ve developed provides our students with the opportunity to be themselves, work together, be brave and try new things, and plan for their future. We are so privileged to work with such amazing young people, who inspire us every day. We’ll continue to work hard to provide the fantastic learning experiences that we do, to meet our vision that ‘Every child has a future’. Thank you to all who have played a part in our R.E.A.L. journey, it means such a lot.”