All of Wolverhampton's Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) are now rated Good by Ofsted after Northern House School Primary PRU received a positive inspection.

The Whitmore Reans based PRU offers specialist alternative provision for pupils aged 5 to 11 who have been, or are at risk of being, permanently excluded from mainstream schools. 

Inspectors Mike Cladingbowl and Johanne Clifton visited the PRU last term and found it to be "very well led". They said Executive Headteacher Adam Price has an "ambitious vision for all pupils and staff", and that senior leaders and their staff "work very hard with each pupil to help modify behaviour".

The PRU has "a welcoming, orderly and calm ethos. Pupils feel safe and happy" and a "well organised programme of intervention" helps pupils overcome many of their difficulties. 

They found that the "very positive relationships” within the PRU “foster optimistic attitudes and confidence in pupils" which leads to "outstanding social and emotional development". 

Teaching is good because it is grounded in these strong relationships – staff know their pupils very well and effective planning helps fill gaps in pupils’ knowledge in the core subjects of reading, writing and mathematics. Pupils also benefit from a "wealth of imaginative and interesting extra curricular activities", helping to raise their aspirations. 

Staff "work effectively with other schools and agencies", coordinating extensive support for pupils, many of whom are vulnerable.

Attendance rates are very high, and most parents and carers are very pleased with the progress made by their children.

Mr Price said: "We are delighted with the outcome of our most recent Ofsted inspection. The PRU has undergone significant transformation over the last 4 years, moving from special measures to Good with outstanding features. The positive inspection report has given us a fantastic platform to build from as we embrace the new academic year.

"Staff, governors, parents and pupils have demonstrated just what can be achieved if we work together with a shared goal, to improve the social, emotional and academic outcomes and of all the young people that we serve across the city of Wolverhampton."

Northern House School Primary PRU's Good rating means that all 4 of the city's PRUs, including the 3 Lawnswood Campus Pupil Referral Units, have been inspected in the last 12 months, and all have been judged to be Good.

Councillor Dr Michael Hardacre, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: "Our Pupil Referral Units play a vital role in helping keep children and young people in education, and to ensure that, as far as possible, the fact they are not in mainstream schools does not limit their chances of succeeding in life.

"This is a very positive report which demonstrates the good impact that Northern House School Primary PRU is having on its pupils, and I would like to thank Adam Price and his team for their continuing hard work and dedication."

To find out more about education in Wolverhampton, please visit Education and Schools.