Keyham Lodge School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 November 2024

Pupils who start attending Keyham Lodge School have usually had negative experiences of education in their previous schools. Staff welcome pupils with warmth, nurturing kindness and care. They rapidly establish positive relationships with pupils. As a result, pupils are happy and feel safe and they re-engage with their learning. Pupils enjoy the social times in the 'heart' area of the school, where they share meals together with staff. The school expertly considers each pupil's barriers to learning, special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and gaps in knowledge to put in place education that will help each pupil better self-regulate and catch-up on previous missed learning. An essential part of this is the strong therapeutic approach to the curriculum. Highly skilled therapeutic staff support pupils within and outside of lessons and co-develop the curriculum with staff. As a result, pupils' behaviour and attendance improve rapidly. Pupils develop very positive attitudes to their education and rise to the school's high expectations of them. Pupils achieve exceptionally well and leave with qualifications that enable them to achieve their goals. They are prepared very well for adulthood. The school has two horses, Fly and Tarka, who live out their retirement being pampered by pupils as well as providing a source of therapy and opportunities for learning. A highlight for pupils, parents and carers, and staff is the annual celebration day of pupils' talents and skills.

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