School goes from strength to strength
Barbara Follett visited Lonsdale School on Friday 18th January and was given a tour of the site by the Headteacher, Mrs Maria White, and the school’s Business Manager, Ms Hillary Oughton.
Mrs Follett said, “It has always been a joy to me to visit Lonsdale and today was no exception. Meeting and taking questions from the students really brought it home for me why this school is widely recognized as a real success story.”
Mrs Follett was shown two of the school’s recently refurbished self-contained accommodation units. These are available to older pupils, who are able to spend up to two nights a week away from home.
She said, “These flats are a fantastic way of letting young people with special needs develop self-confidence and prepare for independent living.”
Mrs Follett also spoke with staff about the proposal to co-locate Lonsdale with Marriotts Secondary School. The local education authority, Hertfordshire County Council, announced the plan last May as part of the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme
She said, “There is a genuine sense of excitement about the co-location proposal. Although Lonsdale would move to the Marriotts site, it would have its own buildings, headteacher and staff. It will also offer greater opportunities for pupils to integrate with mainstream students and, for the first time, give them regular access to exciting facilities like science labs and a drama studio.”
Editors' Notes:
Last year’s Ofsted inspection gave Lonsdale the highest possible overall rating - ‘Outstanding’. Particularly high marks were awarded for the school’s ability to help children achieve their goals and enjoy what they do.
Lonsdale was opened in 1971 as a purpose-built school for children with physical and neurological impairments. It provides primary, secondary and post-16 education and currently has 72 students.
The final decision on the co-location plan is due to be made at the end of March 2008.Issued: 29.01.2008
Further information
Please contact Anthony Miller via the 'Contact' page, or by fax on 020 7219 1158.
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