Ofsted has told the London Vocational Ballet School in Shepherd's Bush that its support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) “are not fully effective,” despite praising the school's “ambitious” curriculum and pupils' “excellent” behaviour.
The coeducational school, located on Bulwer Street, offers ballet training alongside a “comprehensive academic education.” Following an inspection in June, Ofsted found that four of the six assessed areas met the expected standard, but two—'inclusion' and 'leadership and governance'—were flagged as needing attention.
Inspectors Cite Limited Staff Knowledge on SEND
In the report, inspectors wrote that “leaders and staff have limited knowledge and expertise about pupils' special educational needs.” They noted that external professionals have been engaged, but the school has not implemented all the support identified as necessary. “As a result, some pupils with SEND do not receive the help to which they are entitled,” the inspectors added.
The approach of leaders “to developing staff expertise” was also described as lacking rigour, though the report praised how leaders “role model professionalism and high expectations with staff.”
School Meets Standards in Four Areas
Ofsted's ratings cover six areas of school life, ranging from 'exceptional' to 'urgent improvement.' London Vocational Ballet School was found to be meeting expected standards in 'achievement,' 'attendance and behaviour,' 'curriculum and teaching,' and 'personal development and wellbeing.'
Inspectors wrote: “Pupils are extremely well prepared for their next steps in vocational training. They progress to prestigious destinations which very much reflect their ambitions and aptitudes. Their academic outcomes complement this well. The published outcomes in national examinations for pupils at the end of Year 11 are consistently high. This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those with other potential barriers to their learning and/or wellbeing.”
School Implements Changes to SEND Support
Regarding behaviour, the report states that pupils' behaviour is “excellent,” adding they are focused on their studies and training. “Pupils treat others cordially. They understand the school's high expectations of them. On the rare occasion staff have to remind them of expectations, pupils respond promptly and respectfully.”
The report also notes that “leaders have recently strengthened reasonable adjustments for pupils who need support with their behaviour. These have a positive impact for some pupils.”
The school's Academic Director, Kate Blakeburn, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that changes have been implemented to make the delivery of SEND support “more robust.” She said: “Ofsted found London Vocational Ballet School to be an ambitious and nurturing environment which prepares pupils extremely well for further vocational training and the report highlighted that our positive academic outcomes and the quality of our pastoral support reflect the high standards of vocational training our pupils receive.”
Ms Blakeburn added: “The report flagged a specific area of SEND support that needs development, and we have implemented changes to make our delivery and review of SEND support more robust and strengthen our CPD programme for academic and vocational staff. We are confident that with the support of all London Vocational Ballet School staff and our Board of Trustees we are now on track to reach the required benchmarks in every area.”
