Lancasterian School

Overview

Lancasterian School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. The school provides a nurturing environment where pupils with complex special educational needs and disabilities are happy, valued, and achieve well from their individual starting points.

Strengths

• Staff build positive, trusting relationships, helping pupils manage emotions and develop social skills through activities like trips and the eco-council.
• The curriculum is ambitious and tailored to individual needs, with effective use of sensory stimulation and therapy professionals to support engagement.
• Communication and language development are prioritised, with staff skilfully using resources to help pupils express feelings and develop pre-reading skills.
• Personal development is a key strength, with high-quality careers education, work experience placements, and opportunities to learn about rights and democracy.
• Attendance has improved over time, supported by clear routines, a calm atmosphere, and close collaboration with families.

Areas to improve

• In a few subjects, the revised curriculum and assessment strategies are not fully embedded, leading to gaps in pupils’ prior knowledge that affect new learning.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.