The Lodge AP, Sandbach

What it's like to be a pupil at The Lodge AP

The Lodge AP makes a real difference to pupils. Many have previously found attending school difficult and have spent lengthy periods away from education. The school rekindles a love of learning and helps build pupils' confidence in themselves and others. Positive relationships are at the heart of the school. Staff know pupils extremely well and understand their needs and strengths. Clear routines and compassionate support help pupils rebuild trust. Pupils know that staff will listen to them. Creative projects, outdoor learning and new experiences build pupils' self-belief, while the school's nurturing community helps them feel accepted, respected and included. Pupils achieve well because staff skilfully adapt learning to meet their individual needs and starting points. Staff remove barriers effectively through personalised support that combines academic learning with building emotional wellbeing. This helps pupils to re-engage with education successfully. As self-belief grows, pupils participate in school life more. They show greater resilience and take pride in their work. Staff celebrate achievements and encourage pupils to aim higher. The curriculum encourages creativity, problem-solving and independent thinking, while building the knowledge and skills needed for their next steps in education, employment or training. The Lodge AP provides an environment where pupils thrive. Pupils are at the centre of every decision. Staff provide the care and guidance that helps pupils flourish. As a result, pupils start to make positive choices, regulate their own behaviour, build healthy relationships and show positive attitudes to learning. Many improve in confidence because they feel safe, valued and understood. Pupils say bullying is rare, but where it does occur staff tackle incidents quickly and effectively. Staff encourage pupils to recognise their strengths, overcome setbacks and raise their aspirations. As a result, pupils leave The Lodge AP better prepared to contribute positively to their communities, life in modern Britain and to move confidently into the next stage of their lives.

What Ofsted says the school should do next

• Leaders to continue to build on the strong practice around inclusion already established, to ensure it is sustained over time and brings about highly positive outcomes and experiences for pupils that are long lasting and life changing.
• Leaders to continue to refine their personal development and wellbeing offer, so that it makes an important contribution to the outcomes, experiences and preparedness of pupils for their life beyond school.

The Lodge AP excels at helping pupils who have struggled in education before. The school removes barriers to learning through careful assessment and personalized support, enabling pupils to make excellent progress and access qualifications including GCSEs. Staff are warm and skilled at helping pupils manage their emotions, with excellent relationships that create a safe, inclusive environment where pupils develop confidence and self-belief.

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.

Theatre and museum visits, community projects, outdoor learning, music, cooking, gardening, pool, darts, fishing, work tasters and placements in animal care, fashion design, construction, catering and tattoo artistry

Bus Stops