Eko Pathways is a small school located in London, catering for pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs. The school has a supportive environment where students receive personalized attention from teachers and staff, which helps them build confidence and readiness to learn. The leadership team is committed to providing a high-quality education tailored to the individual needs of each pupil. The curriculum is broad, covering a range of subjects, and includes work experience placements for older students to prepare them for future educational or vocational opportunities.
Pupils at Eko Pathways report feeling happy and safe, enjoying their learning experiences. The school emphasizes the importance of managing emotions and teaches students about respect and bullying prevention. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, staff address them promptly. The school has high expectations for behavior, and staff are skilled in supporting pupils to manage their emotions effectively, resulting in a positive learning environment with minimal disruption.
The leadership team has ambitious goals for pupils, aiming for them to acquire secure knowledge across various subjects. Recently, the school has expanded its curriculum offerings, particularly in geography and history, and has made strides in delivering subjects like mathematics, English, and science effectively. However, there are some inconsistencies in the delivery of the curriculum in a few foundation subjects, which can hinder the progression of pupils' knowledge as intended by the leadership.
Eko Pathways places a strong emphasis on assessment and understanding the needs of its pupils. Leaders gather comprehensive information from various sources before pupils join the school, ensuring that staff are well-informed about each pupil's specific needs. This approach allows for tailored support to help students overcome barriers to learning. Many pupils arrive struggling with reading, but the school implements targeted phonics instruction to address these challenges, ensuring that pupils develop fluency and accuracy in reading.
The school also prioritizes safeguarding, recognizing that its pupils may be more vulnerable due to their needs. Leaders work closely with external agencies to provide necessary support and ensure that all staff undergo regular safeguarding training. Staff are vigilant in identifying signs of abuse and know how to report concerns. Pupils receive education on personal safety and healthy relationships, further enhancing their well-being.
Eko Pathways has made significant improvements since its last inspection, broadening the subjects offered and enhancing the planning of the curriculum. Leaders manage changes carefully, considering the impact on staff workload, and staff report feeling supported in their roles. The school encourages participation in enrichment activities and clubs, linking these experiences to the academic curriculum to foster holistic development.
While the school has made commendable progress, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring consistent delivery of the revised curriculum across all subjects. Continued training for staff is essential to enable them to effectively teach the new curriculum and ensure that pupils can learn and retain the intended knowledge and skills. Overall, Eko Pathways provides a nurturing and effective educational environment for its pupils, preparing them for their next steps in education and life.
