Cedar Lodge Special School

Overview

This special inspection was conducted during industrial action, meaning teachers did not cooperate with inspectors. Consequently, the ETI states it is “unable to assure the quality of education” and could not fully evaluate outcomes, provision, or leadership. Despite these limitations, the report notes positive feedback from parents and pupils regarding care and well-being.

Strengths

• Pupils reported they “enjoyed learning” and felt “happy in school” and “safe”.
• Parents affirmed the “work and dedication of the staff” and their support for pupil care and dignity.
• The school has a “strong focus on the use of digital technology” and introduced a Skyline Wellbeing Centre.
• Pupils demonstrated they are “confident and courteous” and showed “care and concern to each other”.
• Governors are “involved fully in the life and work of the school” and discuss pupil progress.

Areas to improve

• Address the “unsatisfactory” space for buses and taxis in school grounds, requiring a risk assessment for pupil safety.
• Urgently address the method of securing playground gates with padlocks to ensure easy emergency evacuation.
• Resolve transport arrangement issues causing regular lateness, which has a “negative impact on pupils learning and emotional well-being”.

Safeguarding

The report states that safeguarding arrangements “reflect broadly the guidance from the Department of Education” and pupils feel safe, but the ETI was “unable to evaluate fully the outworking of the arrangements” due to the industrial action.