Lavender Lodge School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 5 December 2023

Pupils are well looked after here. Staff are caring and attentive to pupils' needs. They make sure that every decision is made with pupils' best interests in mind. Staff prioritise the safety and well-being of pupils. The school is a secure and nurturing place to be. Pupils have trusted staff to go to if they have any concerns and get help from staff if they need it. Routines help pupils to feel comfortable and safe here. For example, each morning pupils are welcomed by staff. This is followed routinely by various activities, such as breakfast club and time in the classroom with their friends. This helps pupils to feel settled for the school day and ready for learning. The school encourages pupils to prepare for their next steps in education. Pupils go on outings to help build their independence, for example to the local shops and library. Staff take account of pupils' interests when planning enrichment clubs. These include chess, choir and various sports. The school encourages pupils to stay physically active, for example through timetabled swimming lessons and use of the playground equipment.

What the school should improve

• Leaders are in the process of developing the school's curriculum. Some of the changes that they have introduced are not embedded. In some subjects, subject content is not broken down into the small steps needed to ensure that pupils achieve ambitious end points. This affects how well pupils learn curriculum content. Leaders should ensure that they continue to refine their curriculum thinking.

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