Staff at the new R.E.A.L. Alternative Provision School in Mansfield are celebrating the start of their second year after an Ofsted inspection said it was a good school.

The education watchdog published its report on the Woodhouse Road school, following the first visit by inspectors since it opened in January 2016.

The report said the head demonstrated excellent leadership and the school provided an outstanding, flexible curriculum.
The quality of teaching and learning across the full curriculum was said to be consistently good.

R.E.A.L. Education works to create alternative provision and services that enable young people who have been marginalised by their exceptional and complex special needs to develop skills and capabilities leading them to becoming independent and employable adults, who can interact and contribute positively within their communities.

Inspectors reported that pupils made good progress across a range of subjects, including English and mathematics, from mostly low starting points, and Post-16 students made good progress with nationally-recognised qualifications.

Pupils were also said to demonstrate strong improvements in their attendance

Head Martin Davies said: “We are delighted with the report and feel it is an accurate and honest appraisal of where we are as a new school.

“It’s testimony to the hard work and team ethic that exists at the R.E.A.L. Alternative Provision School. The leadership team, governors, staff and students can be proud of the very positive report they have earned and fully deserve.”

Pictured are Caroline Ryan, trustee of the R.E.A.L. Foundation Trust; snooker star Shaun Murphy, patron of the trust; student Emma Reszke; and head Martin Davies.