AN independent school has bounced back from being rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted two years ago to achieve a ‘Good’ rating.

Bradford Christian School, in Livingstone Road, Bolton Woods, was rated inadequate in November 2016, with concerns raised surrounding children’s safeguarding and welfare.

However two years on these issues have been addressed, with teaching described “quite simply inspirational at times”.

The school was also praised for its provision for children with special education needs or disabilities and its inclusivity.

In the report, Ofsted said: “The headteacher, along with effective senior leaders, provides calm and considered leadership.

“They have ensured that the areas for improvement identified at the time of the last inspection have been addressed.

“Teachers have good subject knowledge and use it effectively to engage and enthuse pupils in their learning.

“Pupils, including those who speak English as an additional language, make good progress from their varying starting points.

“The strong Christian ethos and a carefully mapped out personal and social curriculum ensures that this is a truly inclusive school.

Pupils are valued for who they are, and the contributions they make. As a result, pupils flourish, behave well and share positive attitudes to their learning in this happy school.

“The specialist unit for autism spectrum disorder is well led. It provides extremely effective support for pupils with complex needs. As a result, pupils with SEND thrive.

“Governors are dedicated to the school. They give generously of their time and fulfil their statutory responsibilities with due diligence.”

Areas identified for improvement included children’s problem-solving skills, pushing the most able students to the best of their ability, insisting on high standards of written English, and improving cohesion through the school, which caters for students aged three to 16.

Andy Taylor, chair of governors, said: “We’re absolutely delighted with the rating.

“The inadequate rating came as a bit of a shock, but we understood where they were coming from on safeguarding issues.

“The new rating reflects the hard work our staff do with pupils, and its great to see the hard work over the past two years has paid off.

“With our SEND unit, children who struggled at other schools have found a place when they can learn and be happy. With the amount of time children spend at school, being happy is so important to help them learn.

“This rating gives us momentum to keeping working towards the areas we need to improve, and senior leaders are already working on it.

“The feedback from Ofsted has been really constructive.”

Phill Moon, who has served as the school's headteacher since it was formed 25 years ago, added: “We certainly have much to do to become 'outstanding' but we are a stronger school as a result of honestly facing up to our weaknesses.

“We have kept our eyes on the young people that come through our doors every day, and for their sake, we were determined to improve.

"As a whole community; teachers, students, parents and governors we pleased to see that our hard work and self-belief had paid off. We are proud to be a 'good' school.”