Saxon Wood School

Overview

Saxon Wood School is a special school where pupils are happy and thrive within a calm, purposeful environment. Leaders maintain high aspirations, ensuring that limits are not placed on what each pupil could achieve, while staff build strong, trusting relationships. The school received a ‘Good’ overall effectiveness rating, with ‘Outstanding’ behaviour and attitudes.

Strengths

• Pupils demonstrate “highly considerate attitudes” and help classmates without question, contributing to an inclusive ethos.
• Staff “skilfully help pupils with meeting individual health and care needs,” allowing for minimal distractions from learning.
• The teaching of phonics is “well established,” enabling pupils to become independent readers or engage with sensory stories.
• Leaders have a “sharp focus on reading” and ensure pupils with complex needs are fully included through adapted resources.
• Governors show a “strong sense of loyalty” and support staff through training and development opportunities.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must clearly identify the important knowledge and skills in foundation subjects so teachers know “what they should teach and when.”
• A coherent assessment system needs to be fully embedded to articulate “small steps of learning” so pupils can consolidate understanding before moving on.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” with staff being vigilant and taking swift action to support pupils’ welfare.