A school for boys who have been permanently excluded or are at risk of exclusion from mainstream schools has been told it 'requires improvement' after a watchdog inspection raised issues with the curriculum. 

SENDAT multi-academy trust's Chalk Hill in Cats Lane, Great Cornard, was inspected by Ofsted on October 18 and 19 last year.

It was deemed to require improvement in the quality of education category and overall, while it was found to be good when it came to behaviour, personal development and leadership. 

An Ofsted report published in December stated that the trust and school continue to improve Chalk Hill and, since taking over, leaders have made positive changes. 

Inspectors said the school's approach to supporting children with their behaviour and attendance was 'successful' and pupils were given the tools and therapies they needed. 

The report stated students were taught a range of topics and their mental health and well-being was cared for effectively.  

Inspectors said: "The school gives pupils the necessary ‘step up’ to return to their schools and be at less risk of permanent exclusion." 

They also deemed that trustees support the schools improvement and know further work is needed to better the curriculum, some of which is underway. 

The arrangements for safeguarding were described as effective.

However, some concerns were raised over the curriculum, which is still being refined and improved. 

Inspectors said the school should "ensure that all curriculum areas outline and sequence the most important knowledge for pupils to learn."

They found assessments within some subjects were not always linked to the knowledge taught or was too broad, and said the school should ensure all curriculum areas have assessments that match teaching.

They added that the school should ensure all staff have "necessary expertise to adapt lessons to pupils’ varying starting points." 

The school will be inspected again in the next 30 months. 

Nicki Jennings, Head of School, said: "This report is a huge success for Chalk Hill and the team. 

"A lot has been in the press recently about Ofsted one-word judgements. Out of the four categories within the inspection framework, three under Behaviour, Personal Development, Leadership & Management were graded as securely Good.

"The inspection report does not mention that the behaviour and attendance was close to outstanding.

"We acknowledge that the curriculum needs to be improved and a lot of work has already been undertaken on the curriculum.

"We are proud of the achievements of the staff and students at Chalk Hill."