Redbridge Alternative Provision

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 13 March 2024

Pupils appreciate the positive working relationships that they have with adults in this school. This helps them to feel secure. Leaders have appropriate aspirations about what pupils can achieve in a range of subjects the meet their needs and aspirations. However, pupils do not make the progress that they should in some subjects. This is because the curriculum lacks clarity about what pupils should learn. Parents and carers express satisfaction with the school and see it as playing an important role in helping their child return to mainstream education. Most told inspectors that they did not mind that there was little focus on the curriculum because they did not believe this should be a priority for the school. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), benefit from a wide range of extra-curricular activities, including many trips to places outside of school. At lunchtimes, pupils across different year groups mix well together, either playing football or attending various enrichment activities each Friday afternoon. Although pupils say that bullying occasionally happens, they are clear that staff respond quickly to any concerns that they raise. Pupils told inspectors that the staff care deeply about them and develop trusting relationships.

What the school should improve

• There is variability in how well the curriculum is designed and implemented between subjects. Subject leaders have not given sufficient thought as to what important knowledge pupils need to know and remember in their subjects. This means that pupils find it hard to recall previous learning. Leaders should ensure that the curriculum is well structured to support pupils to build and embed important knowledge in their long-term memory.
• The school's expectations for behaviour are not implemented consistently. In some lessons, pupils' learning is disrupted by the behaviour of others. Leaders must check that all staff are consistent in their expectations and application of the systems for managing behaviour.
• The school does not provide pupils with opportunities to learn about the full range of education and training options open to them. As a result, pupils cannot make fully informed choices about their future. The school should ensure that pupils have relevant guidance about future career pathways.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)