The Lincoln St Christopher’s School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Since the previous inspection, leaders have successfully led the school through a period of improvement. Staff share leaders' ambition for every pupil to achieve their best.

The school's curriculum has been redesigned to ensure that it meets pupils' needs. Pupils are grouped according to the learning pathway that will enable them to make good progress. Pupils' spiritual, moral, social, cultural (SMSC) and personal development is promoted very well through the school's curriculum and the trusting relationships they build with adults.

Relationships between staff and pupils are exemplary. Adults use a variety of highly effective strategies t...o communicate with pupils and to ensure that they are well cared for and kept safe. Governance of the school is strong.

Governors are knowledgeable and provide good-quality support and challenge to school leaders. They are determined for all pupils to receive high-quality care and education. Leadership at all levels is a great strength of the school.

Staff feel valued and are actively encouraged to 'step up' and contribute to the management of the school. Pupils are immensely proud of their school. They cooperate with each other in lessons and conduct themselves extremely well around the school.

Pupils across the school, including those who are disadvantaged, make good progress from their starting points. Pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education. They receive effective guidance, which supports them well in securing places in further education.

Children in the early years make an outstanding start to their school life. Provision is precisely matched to their needs. The post-16 provision is good.

Students are appropriately challenged to gain good examination grades and to participate in vocational courses. However, improvements to the variety and quality of courses are in the early stages of implementation. The quality of teaching and learning is good.

However, too few pupils are taught to solve mathematical problems and explain their reasoning. Not all teachers use time in lessons productively to ensure that pupils make strong progress. This is particularly the case with the most able pupils.

Information about this school

The Lincoln St Christopher's School provides education for pupils with moderate, severe and profound, and multiple learning needs. Many of the pupils have autism spectrum disorder. All pupils have an EHC plan.

The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is above the national average. Pupils are often taught in mixed-age classes where they access learning pathways to suit their needs. The school is part of The Federation of St Francis Special School Lincoln and The Lincoln St Christopher's School.