A special needs secondary school has been praised by Ofsted after undergoing an “urgent” inspection prompted by safeguarding concerns.

Inspire Academy in Walderslade, near Chatham, met the standards required by the education watchdog, which deemed its arrangements to support children were effective.

It praised its “tenacious” staff for their strong child-centred approach to backing pupils, developing plans for each individual to thrive, and addressing historic issues related to attendance.

The inspection was carried out as part of a follow-up monitoring visit to confirm the effectiveness of the school’s safeguarding processes.

It comes after concerns were raised about the “effectiveness of leadership and management” in the school, as well as the oversight of pupils while they are are not in school.

However, the report concluded “arrangements for safeguarding are effective”. KentOnline asked Ofsted what issues were raised but it was unable to provide more detail.

Inspectors visited the school in Churchill Avenue on April 1 and 2 where they met with groups of pupils, the headteacher Martyn O’Donnell, and several other senior leaders and left with a favourable impression, noting a number of accomplishments, including in improving behaviour.

The report read: “The school knows its pupils well and has oversight of their attendance, achievement and behaviour.

“There is a culture of sharing information so that staff feel comfortable discussing any behaviour incidents that have occurred.

It added: “There has been a noticeable reduction in the number of behaviour incidents since the start of the year.

“Furthermore, there has been a significant decrease in the number of suspensions and use of restraint.”

The school has 95 pupils, aged 11 to 16, who have an EHCP (Educational, Health and Care Plan) in place, with SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) as their primary need.

Inspectors found many pupils had poor attendance at their previous school.

They praised Inspire Academy, part of the Parallel Learning Trust but due to transfer to the Rivermead Inclusive Trust later this year, for providing staff training which has had a significant positive impact on attendance.

The report added: “The school knows that pupils’ attendance is too low. It has put an action plan in place to address this.”

Inspectors also recognised the positive relationships that staff build with pupils, with the report stating: “There are calm and warm relationships between staff and pupils.

“Pupils trust staff and turn to them when they are feeling less confident or need support. Staff regularly build pupils’ confidence through words of encouragement.”

Pupils are described as being polite, courteous and proud of their achievements, and they also feel safe in school, while leaders are said to be “tenacious” in getting the right help from a range of services when needed.

Our passionate staff work tirelessly to deliver a tailored curriculum which helps pupils progress academically while also developing social, emotional and life skills

Martyn O’Donnell, head teacher, said: “We are really proud of the many positive comments in the report.

“At the heart of our school is a drive to provide the best possible opportunities and education for each pupil, while celebrating difference.

“Our passionate staff work tirelessly to deliver a tailored curriculum which helps pupils progress academically while also developing social, emotional and life skills.

“The report also recognises our dedication to continuous improvement, with inspectors highlighting the various training, strategies and systems we have implemented as we strive to provide our pupils with the best possible education and care.”

The education watchdog does not give graded judgements on urgent inspections.

But the school was last rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted in January 2024 following its last full inspection in December 2023. Prior to that, it was also rated ‘Good’ following an inspection in June 2018.

Angela Barry OBE, chief executive of Parallel Learning Trust, said: “I am delighted that Ofsted has recognised what a good school Inspire Academy continues to be.

“Martyn and his team give their best every day and are committed to providing the very best education and care for their pupils. They deserve huge credit for this excellent report.”