A speciailst academy in Truro has retained its 'Outstanding' rating by Ofsted after a recent inspection.

Community & Hospital Education Service (CHES) AP Academy on Treyew Road was visited on May 8 and 9.

The specialised academy provides education to children and young people from Cornwall and other local authorities who have complex medical or mental health needs, which prevent them from attending mainstream schools.

It currently looks after approximately 126 pupils.

Inspectors found that the academy is often a life-changer for its students.

Students, who due to their complex medical needs, may have experienced significant turbulence in their learning journey.

The academy's dedication to personalisation, with bespoke curriculum and adaptable teaching methods, provides students with high-quality educational access and prepares them effectively for their next stage in learning.

Inspectors noted: "Community and hospital education service (CHES) is an inspirational school.

"Pupils feel valued and heard."

One pupil said: "We are seen as individuals and they understand us".

Aside from in-person teaching, the academy also adopts online learning and individual learning methods.

Inspectors found that "staff are specialists in the subjects they teach, they skilfully adapt and flex the curriculum," enabling pupils to benefit from a curriculum tailored to their needs.

The academy has prioritised reading across the three sites and different learning methods to ensure that pupils have the knowledge they need to learn the curriculum in all subject areas.

(Image: Google Street View)

Additionally, inspectors highlighted that the academy places high importance on broadening pupils' experiences and removing any barriers to learning so that students are no longer disadvantaged by their needs.

The school provides a wide range of opportunities designed to broaden pupils' horizons, across the different provisions.

These include engagement with artists, taking part in outdoor sports activities and visiting the theatre, noted the inspectors.

Despite attendance being a challenge due to the medical conditions of some students, the academy maintains high expectations and takes appropriate actions to manage this issue where necessary.

The inspectors considered the arrangements for safeguarding effective, which plays a crucial part in ensuring a safe learning environment for the students.

"Staff describe a culture of support, respect and consideration for their well-being so that they can give their very best to the pupils.", the report found.

The medical educational provider, which is led with a clear passion and commitment to put pupils at the heart of its ethos, continues to strive for continuous improvement, which has led to it retaining its very rare 'Outstanding' rating.

For more information about the Ofsted report, you can view it in full via files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50249203.

To enrol or for further details on CHES Academy, visit www.wavemat.org/our-academies/ches-academy-truro.