Ian Mikardo High School

Overview

The report describes a school where pupils, who often have complex needs and past educational difficulties, feel understood and supported by staff. Leaders and staff maintain high expectations, fostering a environment described as being "like a family" where pupils develop self-belief and manage their behaviour effectively. The curriculum is organised to help pupils acquire essential skills for adulthood, with particular success in English, mathematics, and personal development.

Strengths

• Pupils are "skilfully helped to increasingly manage their own behaviour" and are confident that bullying is not tolerated.
• The curriculum enables pupils who have "missed a lot of education previously" to achieve well, particularly in acquiring skills for employment or further education.
• Staff are "experts at supporting pupils’ emotional and social needs so that learning time is not lost."
• Pupils enjoy "wider opportunities on offer," such as attending recitals at the Royal Opera House and working in a salon.
• The personal, social, health and economic education programme helps pupils understand issues affecting their well-being, including concepts such as consent.

Areas to improve

• In some subjects, teachers lack sufficient experience and training in new curriculum materials to "identify gaps in learning and adapt materials to meet the needs of some pupils."
• Leaders should ensure teachers are trained in the use of new materials so they can adapt teaching accordingly, as recent curriculum changes have not yet impacted achievement in these areas.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff well trained to report concerns promptly and secure the trust of pupils so that leaders can offer support and manage risks appropriately.