Shapwick School challenges Ofsted inadequate rating
A special school in Somerset for pupils with dyslexia has said it will appeal its inadequate rating from Ofsted.
Shapwick School near Bridgwater is a day and boarding school with 143 students aged eight to 18 years old.
The school said: "We want to reassure parents that the safety, well-being and educational achievements of students are always our first priority."
Inspectors found pupils' electronic attendance registers inaccurate and school trips were not safe enough.
The report stated: "Risk assessments are carried out before students travel to sports fixtures or on educational trips.
"However, the recording of these is poorly managed as the paperwork is frequently not completed and risks are not evaluated.
"Because of this, the school cannot be sure that that students' safety is adequately promoted."
Other areas of concern were staff failing to track students' achievements, and so could not tell whether certain groups - for example those coming from deprived backgrounds - needed tailored support.
The positive points inspectors found were the good behaviour of students and effective support from therapists.
A school spokesman added: "We have been shocked and disappointed to receive this judgement from Ofsted following their recent education inspection.
"Whilst we accept there are some matters which require addressing at the school, we do not believe this report adequately or fairly represents those or the actions we are already taking to address them."