Lexden Springs School in Stanway rated inadequate by Ofsted

Lexden Springs, in Stanway, was given the rating by the education watchdog following its latest inspection, which was downgraded from its previous good rating.

In the new inspection, the school’s leadership and management was rated inadequate, meanwhile its quality of education, early years provision and sixth form provision were rated requires improvement.

The five-person inspection team raised concerns about “essential medical advice” not being available to staff which “puts pupils at risk” as well as the school not acting swiftly to “address a decline in the quality of education”.

The school, in Winstree Road, cares for pupils with special educational needs, severe learning difficulties, profound and multiple learning difficulties and autism.

The new inspection follows one of the school’s social care provision in January, which was also rated inadequate.

A large outdoor play area at the Lexden Springs site (Image: N/A)

The new report reads: “Pupils do not receive a high enough quality of education.

“Plans do not guide staff well to securely build pupils’ understanding according to their needs.

“Leaders’ checks lack the necessary rigour to ensure all pupils achieve well.”

The report further explained how the school “has not acted swiftly to address a decline in the quality of education”.

Concerns were also raised over safeguarding, which was deemed “not effective” by inspectors.

“There are too many weaknesses in the oversight of safeguarding,” the report said.

“Pupils’ education, health and care plans are not fit for purpose.

“Too much time has elapsed between consultation with clinical professionals and updating of the plans.

“Essential medical advice is not available to staff. This puts pupils at risk.”

It was also noted how some staff “report concerns about the management of their workload”, with some staff feeling they “work in isolation”.

Despite this, some positive notes were made, with the school’s behaviour and attitudes and personal development both being rated good.

Inspectors said pupils are “warmly greeted as they arrive at school”, are “attentive in class” and experience a “range of opportunities to interact with the wider community”.

'We're extremely disappointed'

Jennifer Grotier, Interim Executive Headteacher at Lexden Springs School, said: “We are committed to ensuring all pupils at Lexden Springs School receive the best possible education.

“Following our most recent Ofsted inspection, during which the school was graded as ‘inadequate’, swift action has been taken to ensure immediate improvements are made.

“The school has a clear action plan in place to address the key improvement areas identified in the report.

"Working with the support of an Interim Executive Board and Essex County Council, we remain fully focused on providing the best possible education for our students.

“While the overall judgement of ‘inadequate’ is extremely disappointing, it was pleasing to see inspectors also pointed out many of the school’s strengths, including rating both ‘Behaviour and Attitudes’ and ‘Personal Development’ as ‘Good’.

“Ofsted also singled out the behaviour and happiness of pupils in their report and praised their caring relationship with staff at the school, as well as the opportunities children have to connect with the wider community.

“I wish to thank the school community, particularly the parents, for their support.

"We will keep them updated as we progress on making the necessary improvements over the coming months.”

A spokesman for Essex County Council added: “We are aware of the recent Ofsted rating awarded to Lexden Springs Residential School following an inspection visit earlier this year.

“The overall judgement of ‘inadequate’ is extremely disappointing and we are working closely with the school’s leadership to ensure rapid improvements are implemented.

“The school’s leadership has a clear action plan in place to address the key improvement areas identified in the report and working alongside the council, with the support of an Interim Executive Board, remains fully focused on providing the best possible education for the young people it supports.

“Regular updates on the school’s progress will be provided to all stakeholders.”