Alexandra School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school Highly effective senior leaders work well together to ensure that pupils in this school make outstanding progress from their varied starting points.

Teachers and leaders set ambitious targets for pupils, and pupils excel themselves in reaching these. Most pupils achieved their targets in both English and mathematics in 2015. Pupils are also set targets relating to their social development and life skills.

Most pupils achieve these, ensuring that they are well prepared for the next stage of their education and life beyond. Teachers deliver lessons that are lively and interesting. Pupils respond enthusiastically to questions and tas...ks that are set.

Adults promote pupils' communication skills effectively in a range of different ways but sometimes use too many visual materials for pupils to understand. Other adults in the classroom are positive role models. They support learning and encourage independence effectively.

The small number of children in the early years provision make excellent progress as a result of high-quality teaching which prepares them well for Key Stage 1. Governors are clear about their responsibilities and those of the academy board. As a result, they can focus on ensuring that the education provided at the school is of the highest quality and that leaders are held to account for their work.

Links with other schools in the academy provide opportunities for leaders to check the accuracy of their judgements and to share good practice. Members of staff value the training sessions held with their colleagues from other settings and improve their practice further as a result. The school's work to support pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is excellent.

Pupils learn about a range of different faiths and cultures. They participate in a wide range of trips and visits. Pupils enjoy school and demonstrate this through their high levels of attendance.

They behave impeccably in lessons, around school and in the playground. Leaders have ensured that pupils are safe in school. Parents are confident that their children are well looked after.

Information about this school

Alexandra School converted to become an academy school on 1 September 2013. It is one of five special schools in north-west London which make up Eden Academy. When its predecessor school, also known as Alexandra School, was last inspected by Ofsted in March 2013 it was judged to be outstanding.

There are 75 pupils on roll, all of whom have an education, health and care plan or a statement of special educational needs. Pupils have a wide range of needs, including moderate learning difficulties, social and emotional difficulties, and autistic spectrum conditions. Around a quarter of the pupils are eligible for additional pupil premium funding.

This is the additional government funding for pupils entitled to free school meals or looked after by the local authority. Pupils join the school at various stages of their education. The number of children joining the school in the early years is small in comparison with other year groups.