The Ladder School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 July 2023

Pupils join The Ladder School after a tricky and difficult educational journey. Many have lost faith in school, struggle to manage their behaviour and see little point in attending. Staff address this head-on. They work alongside each pupil with kindness, consideration and determination. Over time, this helps pupils to attend well, reconnect with their learning and prepares them for life beyond school. Leaders expect pupils to achieve academically and to behave well. Staff celebrate pupils' good behaviour and address issues when things go wrong. Pupils told inspectors that staff treat them fairly and respectfully. Each day begins with a 'decluttering' session. This helps set the tone for the day and readies pupils for learning. This consistent approach, rooted in high expectation, supports pupils to improve. School is a safe place to be. Staff notice if pupils appear to be unhappy or worried. They do their best to help. Pupils appreciate and value this. Leaders take swift action to address any bullying. Staff and pupils sit and eat together every day as a school. This is an important and special part of the school day. Staff use this time to get to know each pupil, share a joke and build rapport.

What the school should improve

• Leaders have not ensured that the curriculum is implemented consistently well in all academic, vocational and personal development lessons. In some instances, teachers do not help pupils to draw on and link their new learning with prior learning to build a connected web of knowledge. Leaders should ensure that all staff consistently emphasise, refer to, use and draw on the most important knowledge that pupils need to know and remember so that pupils develop a wider understanding in each subject.
• Despite leaders' continued efforts, the number of days that pupils miss through being suspended from school remains too high. This means that too many pupils miss too many days of their education. Leaders should continue to be innovative and creative to reduce the number of days that pupils miss from school due to suspensions.

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