South Cumbria Pupil Referral Unit has received the results of it’s first Ofsted inspection since October 2017, nearly seven years ago.

Newbridge House PRU in Barrow caters for children who aren't able to attend a mainstream school. Their latest inspection was published on Tuesday April 30, 2024, and continued its GOOD rating.

The inspector found pupils ‘settle well’ into life at Ewan Close and are given the opportunity for a fresh start in education.

The report said trusted adults listen and provide support, develop strong and positive relationships which allows pupils to feel safe and happy in school.

Ofsted reported that overtime, pupils’ behaviour improves with space to reflect on their actions. When a student does lose their tempter, they are provided with support to better manage their emotions and behaviour.

The Pupil Referral Unit has high expectations for pupils’ learning and everyone, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), achieves well.

The report said: “The majority of pupils have experienced turbulence and challenges in their previous education. However, in this school, pupils experience success in their learning. This helps pupils to gain in confidence. They begin to enjoy learning. Their self-esteem improves and pupils aspire to return to a mainstream school or to move into further education or training.”

The inspection found that staff were able to identify gaps in pupils’ knowledge and worked to swiftly close these, the students know staff care for them and want them to succeed in life. They were able to harness pupils’ interests and ambitions well, especially in practical subjects, such as construction, art and design, engineering and music.

The school was praised for its work to support pupils’ personal development with a careers programme and work experience placements that will prepare pupils for the next stage in education or employment.

Inspection revealed that the pupils enjoy the work they undertake in the community, and

relished renovating a wildlife garden and pond for a local school.

They were commended for carefully considering pupils’ individual needs in the design of its curriculum to ensures all students can access a broad range of subjects.