Lansdowne School, located at 49 Combermere Road, London, SW9 9QD, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 3 and 4, 2021. The school provides a safe and nurturing environment where pupils arrive with enthusiasm each day, knowing they are well cared for by staff who understand their individual needs. The high expectations set by the staff encourage pupils to engage with a broad and interesting curriculum, fostering a positive outlook on their future and promoting independence. Throughout their time at Lansdowne, pupils achieve various qualifications, supported by a range of professionals, including therapists, who assist in developing their communication skills.
The school emphasizes the importance of well-being, particularly during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Leaders and governors have effectively prioritized the mental health of pupils while ensuring the continuity of education. The curriculum is enriched with diverse activities, including educational trips that relate to classroom themes, such as a visit to London Zoo for a project on mythical creatures. Pupils also benefit from a variety of clubs and adapted bikes, which enhance their physical engagement and enjoyment.
Older students gain valuable experience through work placements and vocational training, preparing them for future careers in various fields. The curriculum planning is thorough, with careful consideration given to subjects like art, physical education, and mathematics. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in linking different subjects to enhance pupils' understanding of key themes, such as safety in personal, social, health, and economic education and online safety in computing.
Staff at Lansdowne are skilled in supporting pupils with diverse needs, ensuring that lessons build on prior knowledge and promote independence. The teaching approach focuses on developing language and communication skills, with regular assessments to track progress. A revised reading and phonics curriculum has been implemented, resulting in improved phonics skills and reading fluency among early learners. Nonetheless, there is a need for better integration of phonics and reading plans with English curriculum to enhance writing skills.
Pupils demonstrate resilience and a strong work ethic, with staff effectively managing behavior and fostering positive relationships. The governing body is supportive and knowledgeable, while teachers are dedicated to providing high-quality education. However, some staff have expressed a desire for additional support in managing workload and pupil behavior.
The school's safeguarding measures are robust, with a strong emphasis on pupil well-being. Staff are vigilant in identifying signs of distress and addressing concerns promptly. The curriculum also educates pupils on safety in various contexts, including online safety and road safety. Recruitment checks for new staff are thorough, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To further improve, the school needs to enhance subject planning to create stronger connections between personal, social, health, and economic education and other subjects. Additionally, the reading and phonics program should be more explicitly linked to English planning to support the application of phonics in writing. Staff training on selecting appropriate reading materials for pupils would also benefit their reading development. Finally, leaders must continue to address teacher workload and support staff in managing pupil behavior effectively. Overall, Lansdowne School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational experience for its pupils.
