Ofsted inspector gives verdict on Lancashire Alternative Provision in Blackpool where most pupils have SEND
A school where most pupils have SEND receives praise from education watchdog
A Blackpool school which provides education for children unable to cope with a normal classroom environment has received a glowing inspection from watchdog Ofsted.
Lancashire Alternative Provision (LAP) on Mowbray Drive helps 40 youngsters - half of them with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) - receive a good rounded education.
Following an inspection report, Ofsted said this week the school met all required standards.
Lead inspector Claire Cropper said most of the pupils were catching up on large chunks of missed education due to an “ unsettled experience of education”.
However, during their time at LAP they acquired knowledge and confidence and were ready to move onto employment or further training when they left in year eleven.
She said: “They are well prepared for adulthood and greater independence. This is because, most pupils, including those with special educational needs and /or disabilities, understand how to make the most of their skills and talents.”
Ms Cropper added that although pupils’ attendance was often poor when they started at LAP, due to their previous bad experience of education, it quickly improved thanks to the work of teachers and other staff who provided a “warm welcome”.
“Pupils know that every day is a new beginning,” she said.
“The understand that they can make a fresh start, even if they have not behaved in the way they should have previously.”
As a result, the report reveals, behaviour at the school has gradually improved in recent months.
The report adds: “Incidents of inappropriate behaviour have reduced considerably in recent months due to improved whole-school procedures.
“Pupils typically behave well during lessons and as they move around the school. They are polite and respectful most of the time. Pupils respond well to staff’s calm and consistent approaches.
“Staff are considerate of pupils’ differing needs when managing their behaviour. Disruption to learning is rare and brief. Pupils’ attitudes to learning improve as they experience success and begin to believe in themselves. They trust leaders to deal with any incidents of unpleasantness. This includes name-calling or bullying.”
Ms Cropper said the hard work of staff at the school would help children make a “positive” contribution to society when the are grown up.
The report said: “Skilled staff help pupils to develop better attitudes to learning. They build on pupils' strengths and achievements. Leaders develop pupils’ talents and interests.
“Pupils enjoy the trips and activities that they take part in, such as visiting a local farm, parks, museums and other places of interest. Pupils learn new skills such as boxing, mechanics, hairdressing or beauty techniques.
“Through experiences such as these, pupils broaden their horizons. This helps to raise their aspirations and consider different career pathways that they may have not have done previously.”