The results are in. As you know, Lyonsdown was inspected at the end of the Summer Term by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) as part of their routine inspection cycle and we are pleased to now be able to share the outcomes with you. In summary, we are delighted to:
- be fully compliant, having successfully ‘met’ the standards required across all eight areas of school life inspected in the Regulatory Compliance part of the process
- have been judged ‘Good’ for the quality of pupils’ academic and other achievements
- have been judged ‘Excellent’ for the quality of the pupils’ personal development
Of course, there is a great deal more detail in the letter Ms Morley and I sent to parents this week and the report itself can be read there, downloaded from our website or from the ISI website here: https://www.isi.net/school/lyonsdown-school-7569. There is a huge amount we are proud of in the report and we would like to thank all our pupils, parents, staff and governors for their contribution. Do enjoy reading the report and, if you have any questions, do let me know.
The first full week of the Autumn Term saw Lyonsdown in full flow. Clubs are up and running, exam practice is taken place in Year 6 and homework is being completed. I am very pleased that things now start quicker as we come out of the blocks in a new school year: curriculum meetings take place far sooner, and clubs begin as soon as possible. The new Homework and Gym Clubs have proven to be particularly popular, with an earlier 7:30am start to Breakfast Club expanding our extra-curricular provision and supporting parents with their busy schedules; one family has told me that they can now make the 7:44am train from New Barnet!
Speaking of diaries, it was wonderful to welcome all new parents to a drinks reception this week. Miss Telford, Mrs Windsor and the whole EYFS teaching team spoke to parents on a variety of matters and also served refreshments. These informal gatherings are so important to the Lyonsdown community; they provide an opportunity to get to know your child’s teachers, and also for parents to haveconversations between themselves that go beyond a rushed drop off greeting.
Things continue at a pace next week, with the first school trip of the year. All the best for a relaxing weekend.
Mr Hammond