A special needs secondary school has been rated “good” by Ofsted inspectors for the second time.

Staff at Inspire Academy in Chatham won praise for working with pupils, some of whom had been previously excluded or been out of the classroom for a “significant period”.

A report compiled by the education watchdog found that pupils “often had a negative experience of school before joining Inspire” and when they arrive “often struggle to attend regularly and, when at school, to regulate their emotions”.

However, staff at the school, part of the Parallel Learning Trust, formed positive relationships with pupils to challenge negative views about the education system.

Good behaviour and improved attendance were highlighted at the secondary in Churchill Avenue, Walderslade.

The report also commended the school for its “clear and well-sequenced curriculum” that is “adapted and supplemented based on the needs of each pupil”, noting that “the school ensures that pupils’ progress through the curriculum is checked carefully, and any gaps in pupils’ knowledge and understanding are addressed”.

The inspection showcased the school’s dedication to ensuring pupils are academically, socially and emotionally prepared for their next steps in life. Part of this includes the school’s “clear careers programme for all pupils”.

“Pupils are receptive to learning and recognise the value of the qualifications they are supported to achieve...”

It stated: “They have learned that they can be themselves at school and will be accepted by their peers.

“Classrooms are generally settled and calm. Pupils are receptive to learning and recognise the value of the qualifications they are supported to achieve.

“Pupils are successfully supported to catch up with their reading. Pupils across the school regularly read aloud, and with confidence, within lessons.

“In the strongest subjects, including mathematics, there is a clear and well-sequenced curriculum in place that sets out the small steps of knowledge that pupils need to achieve as they build towards more complex skills and outcomes.”

In a small number of subjects, leaders recognise there is more work to do on the underlying curriculum. In these subjects, staff sometimes focus too heavily on exam criteria from the start of key stage 3 and the way learning builds over time has been less carefully considered.

“I have every confidence that leaders and staff, with support from us, will continue to improve Inspire and take it to the next level…”

Across the subjects, while spoken language is prioritised by staff, curriculum thinking in this area is underdeveloped..

Stephen Griffiths, head teacher, said: ”I only joined Inspire this term but it was quickly clear to me what an excellent school it is, and I am delighted that the hard work of leaders, staff, and families has been recognised by Ofsted in its report.

“They deserve huge credit for what they have achieved.

“I am very fortunate to be part of Inspire and can promise that we will continue to work hard every day so that the pupils continue to receive a great education.”

Angela Barry, interim chief executive of Parallel Learning Trust, said: “This is a wonderful result for the school and I would like to congratulate everyone involved.

“I have every confidence that leaders and staff, with support from us, will continue to improve Inspire and take it to the next level.”

The school was last inspected in 2018 when it received a “good” rating.

It has 71 pupils, aged between 11 to 18, on its roll.