March 8, 2016 12.02 pm This story is over 96 months old

Lincoln special school told to improve teaching and behaviour of pupils

Improvements needed: A Lincoln school for pupils with special educational needs has been told to improve behaviour and attendance.

A Lincoln school for pupils with special educational needs has been told to improve the behaviour and attendance of its pupils and the quality of teaching in a new report.

Ofsted inspectors conducted a two-day inspection at The Sincil Sports College on South Park Avenue in February, rating the school overall as ‘requires improvement’ in their findings published on March 8.

The college is a special school for 49 pupils who either have an education, health and care plan or a statement of special educational needs for social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Inspectors found that poor attendance and behaviour by some pupils has had a negative impact on their achievement, as has inconsistent quality of teaching.

The report highlighted insufficient progress in core subjects such as English, maths and science as another reason why pupils were not attaining the grades they were capable of at GCSEs.

Inspectors added: “Not all pupils take pride in their work and present their work as neatly as they could.

“Teachers do not set work at the correct level for pupils, particularly the most able. As a result, this group of pupils have underachieved.

“Performance management has not been used well enough, in the past, to improve teaching.”

Strengths noted in the report included the “excellent leadership” provided by the new executive headteacher and head of school, the quality of teaching for Year 7 pupils, and good training and development for staff.

Inspectors also found that attendance and behaviour at the school were improving.

One parent said to inspectors:

“I can’t fault it. It’s a school now, not a social hangout.”

The school has been contacted by The Lincolnite for a response.