A SPECIAL needs school where children are “well supported” has been praised for making a series of improvements by Ofsted inspectors.

Sutton House Academy, in Wentworth Road, Southend, has been rated as “good” in all areas by the education watchdog following a two-day inspection on March 6 and 7.

It comes just two-and-a-half years after the school, which looks after children with additional needs between five and 16-years-old, was rated “requires improvement” and ordered to improve its curriculum and tackle “inappropriate behaviour”.

Ofsted inspectors praised the school for making improvements since the October 2021 inspections.

In the report, seen by the Echo, inspectors stated: “Most pupils settle in quickly when they join the school. Those who find it more difficult to cope with changes are supported well to gain confidence over time.

“Pupils form positive working relationships with school staff. They know the adults who support them want the best for them. Consequently, pupils are typically respectful and responsive to the high expectations promoted across all aspects of school life.

“The school has high ambitions for all pupils to achieve. The carefully adapted curriculum enables individuals to succeed. Because of this, pupils achieve well.”

At the time of the inspection, there were 77 pupils at the special school.

Alexis Bull, headteacher of Sutton House Academy, said: “I am thrilled with Ofsted’s report, which has found our academy to be Good in all areas. This report reflects the continued dedication and hard work of every member of staff, who have all worked tremendously hard to help transform our academy.

“I also want to thank our wonderful pupils, who are a pleasure to teach, and our parent community, who help make our community the special place it is.”

Sutton House Academy is due to be transferred from its current academy trust, Parallel Learning Trust, to a new trust, the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, later this year.

This follows a decision by the Parallel Learning Trust Board to transfer all of its six schools to new trust.

The Parallel Learning Trust has been contacted by the Echo for the reasons behind this decision.