School celebrates Ofsted turnaround from Inadequate to Good in little over a year
An independent school set up just four years ago to provide alternative education for young people who have struggled in mainstream schools is celebrating after turning around its Ofsted rating in just 12 months.
The Seeds School, which has a site in Horsehay, Telford and another in Rushall, Walsall, was set up in 2019 to provide education to pupils who have been disengaged from mainstream learning, such as those that have been excluded. It is part of The Education Development Service (EDS) which is a training provider founded in 2007.
When it was last inspected by Ofsted in July 2022, Seeds was rated as 'Inadequate', but following a visit by the education watchdog to the school in September this year, the school has now been given a 'Good' rating.
Inspectors said that leaders and staff at the school had "completely overhauled and redesigned the curriculum".
"Pupils value the sense of community that exists within the school. As a result, they feel valued and trust the staff to help them if they are worried or have concerns," Ofsted inspector Wayne Simner wrote, adding that staff "know the pupils inside and out".
He continued: "The vocational curriculum is the hallmark of this school. Pupils can choose to follow a pathway in construction, hairdressing, hospitality and catering, or physical education."
However, he pointed out that the school did have attendance issues, but said many of the pupils "have historic low attendance or have been out of education for extended periods of time".
But he concluded by saying: "Staff work well as a team and there is a strong sense of camaraderie. Staff are right behind leaders in their continuing efforts to improve the school. Staff value the training they receive."
Headteacher Rob Pritchard said the turnaround at the school was testament to the work put in by staff over the last year.
He said: “I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to all staff, students, parents, and carers during the last twelve months here at The Seeds School.
"Our latest Ofsted report is a true testimony to the tireless work and effort everyone within our school community has invested in.
"I am immensely proud of everybody that has assisted the school and our students on this journey. Please be assured that work doesn’t stop here for us as a school. We have further ambitions and goals to achieve.”
