A SCHOOL specialising in supporting children with mental health needs has been rated by Ofsted for the first time since it opened.

Inclusion School, at Viables Business Park, was praised by inspectors for setting high expectations and creating an environment where pupils "feel at home and free to express and be themselves".

The visit took place from November 28 to 30, 2023, and it was the first full Ofsted report since the school opened in September 2022.

Ofsted rated Inclusion School 'good' in all categories which headteacher Matthew Atkinson labelled "an absolutely amazing result".

He continued: "We pride ourselves on being a real community, working together to best support the needs of the young people in our care and this rating is such a great affirmation of our efforts."

Basingstoke Gazette: Inclusion School

Many of the school's pupils have faced difficulties attending mainstream education with many experiencing complex needs such as suicidal ideation, self-harm, anxiety and emotional school-based avoidance.

Ofsted said the school's "highly dedicated" team has re-engaged pupils back into learning and that parents are "elated" about the impact it has had on their children.

The inspector found that classrooms and community spaces are inviting and set a tone that enables pupils to feel safe and calm. The report noted that the school’s premises have been meticulously designed to best support pupils’ mental health and well-being

The report said that the school sets high expectations in providing pupils with an education that focuses on achieving success and securing post-16 education placements or employment.

It said that staff instil in pupils a 'self-belief in a future where pupils can play their part in society'. Incrementally, staff build up pupils’ academic learning over time, which culminates in them taking relevant qualifications.

Mr Atkinson said: "The comments made in the report are an amazing testament to all the hard work and dedication of our team and as we continue to develop and grow our curriculum, we’re looking forward to what we might achieve next."

Inclusion School is part of the wider Inclusion Education, a charitable organisation, which provides specialist education support to vulnerable young people. 

The charity offers mental health and well-being support to learners, as well as an academic and skill-enhancing curriculum, tailored to meet young people’s individual needs.  

As well as having access to qualified teaching staff, learners can access support from therapists, music creation and pastoral care.

Inclusion Education currently consists of the charity arm, Inclusion School, catering for pre-16 learners, and Inclusion College (Post-16 Provision) based in Hook.