The Lodestar Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 November 2023

The welfare of pupils and their families is at the heart of The Lodestar Academy. All pupils who arrive at this alternative provision are warmly welcomed. This means they soon settle into school life. Pupils get the care and support they need to overcome challenges. They receive individual guidance to help them to learn. As a result, many pupils swiftly gain new confidence and self-esteem which helps them to achieve well. The school has high expectations for how pupils will behave and what they will achieve. Pupils know what is expected of them during lessons and social times. Any conflicts are calmed quickly. Pupils swiftly learn how to respect themselves and each other. The school offers excellent pastoral support to pupils and their families. There is a nurturing environment for pupils to learn. Pupils enjoy warm relationships with adults and soon develop a strong sense of belonging. They refer to the school as being like 'a little family.' They are confident that they can share any worries or concerns. They trust that the school will listen and act promptly. This helps them to feel safe.

What the school should improve

• Pupils' writing is not well developed across the curriculum. As a result, they do not demonstrate what they have learned in their written work. The school must ensure that pupils develop their writing across all areas of the curriculum.
• Pupils are reluctant readers. They do not enjoy reading to support their learning or for pleasure. The school should ensure that pupils better understand the importance of reading for both learning and enjoyment.

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