Life Skills Hub leaders reflect on impressive Ofsted report

Members of Life Skills Hub’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT) have shared their reflections on our first Ofsted inspection, which rated provision Good across all areas.

Inspectors described our school as a place where “pupils thrive and often their lives are transformed,” praising our inclusive culture, bespoke curriculum and expert therapeutic support.

Director and Proprietor Luke Cardwell said the outcome is both a validation of our ethos and a motivator for the future.

He said: “I’m really delighted with the outcome, because it truly represents the hard work and dedication of our team. From the start, we’ve placed student wellbeing at the centre of everything we do, and it’s wonderful to see that recognised so clearly.

“This result gives us huge pride, but it also gives us further direction. We’re already looking ahead to how we can achieve Outstanding. We’ve got ambitious plans, and no one here is complacent.”

Headteacher Sue Clarke said she was especially proud of how the inspection captured the heart of our mission.

“The key quote for me is that ‘pupils thrive and often their lives are transformed’ – that just sums us up,” she said.

“Every member of staff comes in each day to make a difference, and to have that recognised in such a way is brilliant.

“I was thrilled that inspectors described our staff as experts, because they truly are.

“As a relatively new school, we’re still growing and embedding everything we do. This report gives us confidence to expand, knowing that we’re on the right track.”

Inclusion Lead Katy Langfield said the findings reinforced our founding vision.

“When we launched, our aim was to reach those children with the biggest barriers to learning – those who’d struggled to find their place in mainstream settings. Seeing Ofsted recognise that we’re doing exactly that makes us all very proud.

“What’s really lovely is how the inspection has inspired the whole team. It’s reminded everyone that the care, patience and creativity they bring each day genuinely changes lives.

“You can see the pride throughout the school – people realise they’re part of something special here.”