Wells Park celebrated as OUTSTANDING in latest Ofsted inspection

The Beckmead Trust is proud to announce that Wells Park has once again been judged Outstanding following its latest Ofsted inspection in November 2025. The inspection confirmed that the residential provision at Wells Park continues to deliver exceptionally high quality care and experiences for children and young people.

Consistently Outstanding Provision

Inspectors found that Wells Park provides highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good, resulting in significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children. All three key judgement areas were rated Outstanding:

• Overall experiences and progress of children and young people

• How well children and young people are helped and protected

• The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Children were described as extremely happy in residence, enjoying strong, trusting relationships with staff who know them exceptionally well. Inspectors highlighted the school’s research informed model of care, built on secure relationships and highly individualised support, which enables children to make excellent progress from their starting points.

Safe, Nurturing and Ambitious Care

The report praised the carefully structured routines across the school day, evenings and mealtimes, which provide children with consistency, predictability and a strong sense of security. A wide range of high quality resources and activities ensures children remain engaged, stimulated and motivated.

Safeguarding practice was judged to be outstanding. Children reported that they feel safe, and parents and professionals expressed complete confidence that children’s welfare is at the centre of all practice. Staff were commended for their strong safeguarding knowledge, high quality training and therapeutic approach, including their skill in de-escalation and emotional support.

Inspectors also noted the positive impact of innovative incentive schemes that celebrate children’s achievements in areas such as communication, independence and wellbeing, helping to build self‑esteem, emotional resilience and confidence.

Exceptional Leadership and Staff Commitment

Leadership at Wells Park was recognised as a key strength. Inspectors described leaders as meticulous, highly energised and completely focused on improving outcomes for children. Strong staff retention, high quality supervision and training, and a culture of reflection and continuous improvement were all highlighted as contributing to the school’s ongoing success.

The report also praised the positive relationships with families, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents who described significant improvements in their child’s confidence, behaviour and family life.

Special Recognition for Long‑Standing Service

Following the inspection, Matthew Surman, Headteacher, paid tribute to the exceptional contribution of Paul Johnson (PJ), Deputy Head of Care:

"Following our most recent Outstanding Ofsted inspection, we want to pay special tribute to our Deputy Head of Care, Paul Johnson (PJ).

PJ has been integral to all 19 of our Outstanding Ofsted inspections. He was part of the original team that established Wells Park in 1996, having moved from Nazeing Park School where he began his career as a Care Officer in 1990. For over three decades, his unwavering dedication to children’s care, his calm leadership, and his commitment to the ongoing development of our school have helped shape Wells Park into the community it is today.

Quite simply, you cannot tell the story of Wells Park’s success without PJ. Thank you, Paul, for everything you have given and continue to give to our children, families and staff team."

A Proud Achievement for the Beckmead Trust

This Outstanding judgement reflects the collective efforts of the Wells Park community and the wider Beckmead Trust. Through strong governance, shared expertise and a relentless focus on quality, the Trust continues to support schools in delivering exceptional care and education for children with social, emotional and mental health needs.

While celebrating this achievement, Wells Park remains committed to building on its strengths and continuing to provide the highest possible standards of care, support and opportunity for every child.