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Ofsted inspectors praise education centre
A SOUTH Tyneside Centre which helps young people to turn their lives around has been praised by Ofsted.
An inspector said the Alternative Education Service based at St Mary’s Centre, in Whitehead Street, South Shields, was ‘going in the right direction at a good rate’ and improving the behaviour, attendance and attitudes of the students.
During his visit, the inspector observed lessons, talked to students and heard some of them read. Meetings were also held with the management committee, a representative from the local authority, a parent and staff.
Most students who attend the referral unit have been either permanently excluded from mainstream school or are at risk of being so.
In his report, Her Majesty’s Inspector, Mr Andrew Johnson, said St Mary’s has improved, and its overall effectiveness is rated as ‘satisfactory’.
He found that the atmosphere was very calm and relaxed, and also evidence that behaviour was much improved.
Although almost all students join the centre with very low attainment in English and mathematics, most make progress in line with expectations and a minority do better than that.
Students say they feel safe and there is no bullying. Parents and carers who returned the questionnaires were happy that their children were kept safe.
Last year 31 students left the centre, and they all made appropriate moves to mainstream schools, special educational provision, further education or employment.
Chairman of the centre’s management committee, Coun Alan Kerr, said “I am very heartened by the result.
“The centre has risen to some real challenges and come out well.”
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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