Lancaster specialist school rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted for second time

Leighton Gibson takes part in the chalk competition.

This has culminated in the Lancaster school being rated by Ofsted inspectors as ‘outstanding’ for the second time.

Stepping Stones School provides educational placements to support children who have been permanently excluded from mainstream school or have been at significant risk of exclusion.

The children attending the school have social, emotional and mental health difficulties and have found education in their mainstream setting a huge challenge. Many of the children have diagnosed ADHD, autistic spectrum conditions, anxiety, low self-esteem and attachment difficulties.

Marley Taylor and Jensen Tyson signing and decorating umbrellas.

The school provides a broad, enriching curriculum which develops the pupils’ strengths and interests.

The inspection found that all of the work the school carries out has a significant impact on improving pupil outcomes.

Ofsted commented on how “pupils have extremely positive attitudes and engage well in lessons.”

The school is proud to be acknowledged for its excellent work carried out both in the school and the outreach service.

Orchard class takes part in the chalk competition.

Ofsted said: “As a result of the strong leadership of this team, extremely helpful support is offered for pupils at risk of permanent exclusion.

“The team also provides a range of invaluable, professional support programmes for mainstream teachers, teaching assistants and the local authority behaviour mentors.”

The school’s good work has contionued with a project in partnership with the ADHD Foundation based in Liverpool, the largest ‘user led’ ADHD agency in Europe, to raise awareness of neurodiversity.

Stepping Stones raised money to take part in a National Umbrella Project, where hundreds of brightly coloured umbrellas suspended above public spaces across the country are signed and decorated by neurodiverse children, stating their gifts, talents and abilities – their ‘super power’.

The Umbrella Project Installation, sponsored by local businesses, Yololets Properties, Tony Smith Builder, Asda, Lancaster Teaching Agency, Thorntons and Lancaster Printing and Carefoot.

The children at Stepping Stones had fun taking part in a sponsored silence, judging a staff ‘Bake Off’, baking 365 fairy cakes to sell at the neighbouring Moorside Primary School, raffles and a playground chalk competition.

Headteacher Alison Dodd said: “The school is teaching the children and their families to have a “Can Do” attitude, which is the motto of the school. Regardless of any conditions, children should always be encouraged to have high aspirations to achieve in all areas.”