Red Balloon Learner Centre Northwest London

Red Balloon Learner Centre in Northwest London is an independent co-educational day school catering for pupils aged 11 to 16. Established in April 2008, the school operates as a registered charity governed by local trustees and is part of a larger group with four centres. The school aims to provide individualized full-time recovery programs that encompass education, personal development, and well-being, fostering an environment where pupils can regain self-confidence and make academic progress. At the time of the inspection, the school had 27 pupils enrolled, all of whom are identified as having special educational needs and/or disabilities, including conditions such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, and ASD.

The school faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a period of closure from March to August 2020, during which remote learning was provided. The inspection was conducted partly remotely and partly on-site to adhere to health guidelines. The school has been granted approval to extend its provision into a nearby building, although this was not ready at the time of the inspection.

The regulatory compliance inspection revealed that the school does not meet all required standards. Key findings indicated that while the quality of education provided is satisfactory, there are areas needing improvement, particularly in safeguarding and health and safety protocols. The school has a documented curriculum that supports pupil progress, and teaching is effective, with appropriate behavior management strategies in place. However, staff training on safeguarding is insufficient, and there is a lack of clarity regarding the implementation of statutory guidance.

The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, and the school fosters a caring environment. Good behavior is encouraged, and measures are in place to prevent bullying. However, the school must enhance its monitoring of safeguarding training and ensure that all staff understand their responsibilities. The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are also areas of concern, with inadequate records of health and safety training and insufficient monitoring of the premises.

The inspection highlighted that the school makes appropriate checks to ensure the suitability of staff and maintains a register as required. However, the premises are not maintained to a standard that meets health and safety requirements, with issues such as uneven pathways and cleanliness in the kitchen noted. The school has adequate toilet and changing facilities, but security arrangements need improvement.

In terms of information provision, the school publishes a range of information for parents and inspectors, including details about the curriculum and policies. The handling of parental complaints is effective, with a clear three-stage process in place. However, the quality of leadership and management is an area requiring attention, as there is insufficient monitoring and challenge to ensure compliance with all standards.

The educational quality inspection assessed the achievement of pupils and their personal development. The overall quality of pupils' academic achievements is sound, with most pupils attaining their predicted grades in core subjects. The school provides opportunities for pupils to engage in additional activities, such as art and outdoor education, which contribute to their overall development. However, the tracking of pupil progress needs to be strengthened, and targets set across subjects should be clearer and more measurable.

Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning, and most are successful in gaining placements for further education or training. The school’s transition program effectively supports pupils re-entering education after trauma. While pupils generally show appropriate levels of self-understanding, some require additional support to reflect on their feelings and areas for development. The school promotes a restorative justice approach to behavior management, fostering a respectful and caring community.

Pupils engage positively with one another and demonstrate an understanding of right and wrong. They appreciate the supportive environment and the opportunities for personal growth provided by the school. The curriculum includes elements that promote cultural understanding, although there is room for improvement in this area. Pupils are aware of how to keep themselves safe, including online safety, and they participate in activities that support their mental health and well-being.

Overall, while Red Balloon Learner Centre provides a supportive and caring environment for its pupils, there are several areas requiring immediate attention to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and to enhance the quality of education and personal development offered. The school is committed to making necessary improvements and ensuring that all pupils can thrive academically and personally.