Elizabeth House School

Overview

The report describes a school where pupils are “safe and happy” and demonstrate “positive behaviour” and “self-confidence.” However, academic achievement and curriculum delivery require significant improvement, as pupils do not consistently make the progress they should, particularly in core subjects and for those with special educational needs.

Strengths

• Pupils “typically behave well” and staff manage emotional struggles “calmly” and with “great care.”
• Leaders provide a “well-considered personal development programme” that builds resilience and prepares pupils for independent living.
• Attendance is generally good, with leaders “liaising effectively with parents and carers” to support regular attendance.
• Pupils develop a “secure understanding of fundamental British values” and are respectful of diversity.
• The safeguarding standards are met, with an “open culture” where concerns are “actively identified, acted upon and managed.”

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure teachers have the “subject-specific knowledge” needed to support learning equally well across the curriculum.
• Pupils need better support to build “stamina and fluency in reading, writing and mathematics,” as current standards vary and some are not ready for qualifications.
• Leaders should improve systems to help teachers accurately identify and meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, meaning leaders have established an open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and pupils are made safer.