Firwood High School

Overview

Firwood High School continues to be a good school, providing an exciting and inclusive learning environment for pupils with special educational needs. Leaders have designed an ambitious curriculum that caters to a wide range of needs, ensuring pupils achieve their personal and academic targets while developing independence. The school fosters a strong culture of kindness, where pupils feel happy, safe, and proud of their achievements.

Strengths

• Staff immerse pupils in memorable learning experiences, such as seasonal festivals and creative activities, fostering a love of school.
• The curriculum is carefully crafted with flexibility to personalise learning, using repetition and small achievable targets from EHC plans to embed knowledge securely.
• Pupils enjoy a wide variety of enrichment activities, including residential trips, work experience, and cultural celebrations, which build confidence and life skills.
• Leaders work closely with external agencies to support smooth transitions into further education, employment, or training, starting from Year 7.
• Staff workload has reduced, and leaders are considerate of staff well-being, creating a supportive professional environment.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must decide on appropriate reading books for pupils at early stages of learning to ensure they build on existing letter and sound knowledge effectively.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a strong culture where staff are vigilant, quick to report concerns, and work closely with external professionals to keep pupils safe.