Ofsted praises North West school where students learn 'British values'

Lancashire Alternative Provision, ion Mowbray Drive, provides education for 40 pupils who have struggled with mainstream schooling.

The school caters for students with special educational needs and/or disabilities, with a focus on social, emotional, and mental health needs.

Lancashire Alternative Provision, Mowbray Drive (Image: Google)

Inspectors found that "pupils have missed much important learning in the past due to an unsettled experience of education, including in English and mathematics."

The school was also praised for its "effective pastoral support for pupils," which helps them to "rebuild confidence in themselves."

The report noted that "pupils learn how to be successful at school and in the wider world, including developing an understanding of British values."

However, they noted that "they catch up on acquiring important knowledge as they progress through the school."

The report highlighted that by the end of Year 11, students are "prepared well for their next stages of education, employment or training."

The pupils "typically achieve the qualifications that they need to follow their chosen career pathway."

The school was praised for its "broad and ambitious curriculum," which has recently been "redeveloped and strengthened."

Inspectors found that "teachers make effective use of links between pupils' learning in different subjects and topics," helping to "reinforce and embed pupils' knowledge."

However, the report also noted areas for improvement.

It stated that "there is variation in the clarity and accuracy of pupils’ written work," and that "some pupils do not develop fluency in reading and writing as well as they could."

The report also highlighted that "leaders should ensure that pupils improve the fluency of their written work and accuracy in mathematics recording so that pupils can explain their learning and ideas more clearly."

The school was commended for its "effective support and encouragement" for pupils, which has led to an increase in attendance over time.

The report noted that "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," and "disruption to learning is rare and brief."

The report also highlighted the school's focus on personal development and wellbeing.

It stated that "pupils' personal development is central to the curriculum," and that "pupils particularly enjoy this aspect of their learning."

The school was also commended for its "carefully tailored careers advice and guidance for pupils," which ensures that "pupils make the most of their strengths and interests."

The report stated that "most successfully move on to their next stage of education, employment or training after completing Year 11."

The report concluded that "leaders are ambitious for pupils," and that they "make decisions with pupils’ best interest at heart."

However, it also noted that "leaders should make sure that teachers identify and address gaps in pupils’ knowledge so that they are better prepared for their next stage of learning."