Mountjoy School in Beaminster is celebrating after being rated 'good' in all areas after a recent Ofsted inspection. 

Mountjoy is a school catering to the special needs of more than 100 pupils from across the region, from learning difficulties to physical disabilities, and ranging in age from two to 19.

Originally based in Bridport, Mountjoy was moved to a new purpose-built school building in Beaminster in 2012 and is now hoping to expand further to meet increasing demand. 

An Ofsted inspection was carried out at the school in November 2022 and the report was recently released, grading Mountjoy 'good' in all areas, with inspectors only setting one target for improvement.

The report said that one comment from a parent – "the child is at the centre of everything the school does" – was a view shared by many parents and characterises what it is like to be a pupil at Mountjoy. 

It added: "Pupils love to attend and appreciate everything adults do for them. Pupils spoke in detail about the work adults do to ensure they become as independent as they can.

Headteacher Gill Howard said she was very proud of the report, as it summed up exactly what the school is like, recognising its personal approach to each pupil's individual needs.

She said that students feel safe and happy at Mountjoy, where there was a positive, therapeutic atmosphere, with mental health at the core of its values. 

Mrs Howard explained that individual targets were set for each pupil, with a focus on preparing them for life outside of school, offering a variety of experiences and opportunities and ensuring they live happy, fulfilled lives. 

The Ofsted report reflected this, commenting: "Pupils enjoy their learning and aspire to become the best they can be. They talked with enthusiasm about the learning opportunities adults provide. 

"Pupils appreciate the range of additional activities, such as orchestra and choir, which they attend with excitement. A wide range of trips and visitors to the school complement and enhance the curriculum.

"Staff, parents, pupils and agencies work together to set targets based on pupils' education, health and care plans. Targets are checked frequently to ensure pupils can develop academically, personally and socially. 

"The development of pupils' independent skills is central to the curriculum. Pupils build their independence and communication skills through cooking, shopping and planning travel.

"Adults in the school are rightly proud of the nurture and care they provide. This is seen from the moment pupils arrive at school. Pupils are greeted with a smile and a warm welcome. 

"'Excellent, supportive environment' and 'marvellously gentle, kind and nurturing' were typical comments made by parents."

The only target for improvement set by Ofsted inspectors was for subject leaders to better monitor progress of students, to ensure they are acquiring the knowledge and skills they need."

Helen Farmer, chair of governors at Mountjoy School, said: "The governors are proud and delighted with this excellent report from Ofsted. We have an outstanding headteacher who with her team provides an environment where all our pupils achieve, feel safe and have a sense of belonging."

The full Ofsted report can be found at https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50205007

For more details on Mountjoy School, visit https://mountjoy.dorset.sch.uk/