Sandside Lodge School

Overview

Sandside Lodge School remains a ‘good’ school, with evidence suggesting it could achieve ‘outstanding’ if a graded inspection were conducted. Pupils ‘thrive’ in an environment where staff possess a ‘strong understanding’ of supporting those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The school places a ‘clear focus on developing the independence of pupils’ and ensuring they are ‘suitably prepared for adulthood’.

Strengths

• The curriculum has been ‘fully redesigned’ to be ‘ambitious’ yet ‘bespoke to their needs’, with teachers delivering it with ‘considerable expertise’.
• Pupils make ‘considerable progress’ in communication and language skills, supported by staff who ‘model language effectively’ and use appropriate assessment strategies.
• Behaviour is ‘exemplary’, with pupils described as ‘kind’ and learning to ‘reflect on their behaviour and its impact on others’.
• Opportunities for personal development are ‘exceptional’, including ‘meaningful opportunities to experience the world of work’ and extensive community engagement.
• Staff workload and well-being have been ‘fully considered’ by governors, resulting in a positive culture where staff are ‘passionate about supporting pupils’.

Areas to improve

• The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are ‘effective’.