Lawrence House School is a specialist independent school which provides for pupils aged 11 to 18 years. It is based on five sites across Merseyside. All pupils at the school have SEN and/or disabilities. Most have social, emotional, behavioural and mental health difficulties. A significant proportion of pupils have mental health difficulties. Several pupils have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). At the time of the inspection, there were no pupils with an education, health and care (EHC) plan. The school’s aim is, ‘for Lawrence House to be a school of excellence where high expectations are fundamental to all that we do…we strive to ensure that pupils leave school as well rounded, confident individuals and critical thinkers with the necessary skills and aspiration to be lifelong learners.’ Inspection report: Lawrence House School, 25–27 September 2018 Page 9 of 12 The school is registered to admit up to 28 pupils. It is owned by ‘Quality Protects Children’ and had its last full inspection in September 2016. A monitoring visit took place in June 2017. There are 11 pupils on roll, a large proportion are from minority ethnic groups. Pupils are from regions across the country. All are in the care of the local authority. Due to the complex nature of most pupils’ educational needs, support from adults is often intensive. All pupils are educated in very small groups or on a one-to-one basis. Since the previous inspection, the number of pupils on roll has increased. Some pupils follow the national curriculum. Bespoke programmes of learning are available for all pupils; their work is accredited by various examining bodies. Most pupils have had either extended periods out of school or been on limited education programmes in other schools and pupil referral units. All have gaps in their learning. Pupils are highly mobile, entering the school at various times during the school year and often staying for short periods only. Since the previous inspection, the senior leadership team has been strengthened to include a senior education manager. A governing body has been formed. The chair of the governing body is the proprietor. Most staff, including several teachers, have joined the school since the previous inspection. Premises have been extended to include two new classrooms on the Bluebell Cottage site. Outdoor areas on some sites have been refurbished. The school works with several local and national registered charities to provide work experience for pupils. It aims to reintegrate pupils back into mainstream education and work or college placements. Currently, the school is not catering for sixth-form pupils. The school’s clinical team is made up of a head psychologist and three assistant psychologists. Since opening, the school has catered for very few post-16 students. Records show that when the school has students on roll, they are supported along similar lines to all pupils in school. Currently, there is no sixth form.