Oak Wood Secondary School

Overview

Oak Wood Secondary School continues to be a good school, with pupils benefiting from "positive changes" and enjoying their time there. Leaders have created an "ambitious curriculum" that prepares pupils well for life after school, including college and employment opportunities. The school provides a safe environment where staff effectively support pupils with complex needs and special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Strengths

• Pupils are "happy and enjoy coming to school," behaving very well and receiving effective support to manage their behaviour.
• The curriculum offers "wide experiences," including vocational learning and interests such as floristry, tailored to pupil curiosity.
• "Careers education is a strength," with staff working closely with local employers to provide work experience and independence skills.
• An "effective reading and phonics curriculum" ensures many pupils read fluently, with extra help available for those who need it.
• Staff use a "wide variety of communication systems effectively," helping pupils share their thoughts and needs.

Areas to improve

• The school lacks an "accurate view of how the curriculum is being implemented," meaning leaders cannot clearly identify strengths or areas needing further improvement.
• The system for measuring the impact of the curriculum on pupils over time is "less well developed," and the purpose of assessment is not clear.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders holding regular meetings to ensure pupils are safe and staff being able to quickly identify if a pupil needs help.