Lancaster School, located in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 9 and 10, 2022. The inspection highlighted the strong sense of community and enthusiasm among students, who expressed their love for the school, describing it as amazing and the best school ever. This positive sentiment is echoed by the staff, who contribute to a lively and supportive atmosphere where students feel safe and valued. The school promotes kindness, with initiatives like the weekly kindness cup, reinforcing the importance of respect and consideration among students.
The leadership at Lancaster School sets high expectations for both learning and behavior, which students respond to positively. This environment fosters academic achievement tailored to individual learning pathways, allowing students to thrive without distractions. The curriculum is designed to meet the diverse needs of students, focusing on preparing them for adulthood and promoting independence. Students are encouraged to express themselves and develop their voices, which is crucial for their personal growth.
The school offers a range of qualifications at various levels, ensuring that all students have access to appropriate educational opportunities. Leaders are ambitious for their students, providing challenging qualifications when suitable, particularly in areas like music. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge, effectively delivering the curriculum and utilizing assessments to monitor student progress. Students are given ample opportunities to practice their learning, with a focus on making incremental progress, especially for those with profound and multiple learning disabilities.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require improvement. The early reading curriculum is identified as underdeveloped, lacking a systematic phonics program, which affects a small number of students who are at an early stage of learning to read. Leaders have recognized this as a priority for improvement. Additionally, the governance structure is undergoing changes, with current governors relying heavily on school leaders for information about the school's performance. This limits their ability to challenge and hold leaders accountable effectively. Steps are being taken to address these governance issues, including reviewing delegation schemes and recruiting new members to strengthen the governing body.
Safeguarding arrangements at Lancaster School are effective, with students feeling safe and confident in the support provided by staff. The designated safeguarding leads are knowledgeable and well-trained, ensuring that the specific risks faced by students are addressed appropriately. Staff are trained to recognize and report concerns promptly, allowing for timely interventions when necessary.
Overall, Lancaster School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational experience for its students. The strong relationships between staff and students contribute to a positive learning environment, where students are known as individuals and receive the support they need to succeed. The school is well-positioned to continue its journey of improvement, focusing on enhancing the early reading curriculum and strengthening governance to ensure sustained success in the future.
