Lancashire Alternative Provision, Blackpool

What it's like to be a pupil at Lancashire Alternative Provision

Leaders make sure that pupils receive the support that they need to settle at school. This is important as pupils have typically experienced disrupted education in the past. Most pupils achieve well over time. This is despite many struggling with aspects of their learning when they first begin at the school. Pupils make progress from their differing starting points. Caring and well-trained staff understand the barriers that pupils face and help them to overcome these. Pupils develop useful independence skills during their time at school, such as cooking. They are effectively prepared for adulthood. For example, most pupils go on to access other education, training or employment at the end of Year 11. Leaders make sure that pupils feel safe. Pupils trust staff to help them to overcome challenges that they face in life. They build positive relationships with staff and each other. Leaders deal with any incidents of bullying swiftly and effectively. Pupils learn how to follow school rules and routines. This prepares them well for making a positive contribution to society when they are older. Pupils are keen to earn rewards for highly prized enrichment activities at the end of each week. This helps pupils to develop perseverance and resilience when they experience difficulties. Most pupils' attendance improves over time. They grow in self-confidence as they begin to experience success at school. Skilled staff help pupils to develop better attitudes to learning. They build on pupils' strengths and achievements. Leaders develop pupils' talents and interests. Pupils enjoy the trips and activities that they take part in, such as visiting a local farm, parks, museums and other places of interest. Pupils learn new skills such as boxing, mechanics, hairdressing or beauty techniques. Through experiences such as these, pupils broaden their horizons. This helps to raise their aspirations and consider different career pathways that they may have not have done previously.

What Ofsted says the school should do next

• Leaders should ensure that pupils improve the fluency of their written work and accuracy in mathematics recording so that pupils can explain their learning and ideas more clearly.
• Leaders should make sure that teachers identify and address gaps in pupils' knowledge so that they are better prepared for their next stage of learning.
• The proprietor should ensure that all leaders are clear about their role in meeting and maintaining the independent school standards.

The school excels at helping pupils who have had difficult educational experiences get back on track. Staff are caring and skilled at understanding each pupil's barriers and helping them overcome these, which builds confidence and improves attendance significantly. Pupils leave well-prepared for adult life with the qualifications and independence skills they need.

Safeguarding standards are met - leaders have established an open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, concerns are actively identified and managed, and pupils feel safe.

Farm visits, parks, museums, boxing, mechanics, hairdressing, beauty techniques, work placements, college and training provider experiences

Train Stations

Bus Stops