Wolverdene Special School

Overview

Wolverdene Special School is rated as ‘Good’ across all inspection categories, having recovered from challenges caused by the pandemic and leadership changes. Governors and the new headteacher have admirably managed a ‘perfect storm’ of difficulties, setting a new direction that is ‘getting back on track and improving’. The school serves pupils with complex special educational needs, who ‘feel safe in the care of the dedicated staff’ and are responding well to a supportive approach to behaviour.

Strengths

• Staff ‘know the pupils they work with very well’ and effectively manage individual needs and anxieties.
• The move away from sanctions to ‘repair and therapy’ is ‘proving successful’, with reduced use of exclusion and restrictive physical intervention.
• Reading is prioritised, with a ‘love of reading’ being generated through shared opportunities in ‘quiet, comfortable spaces’.
• The curriculum in mathematics is planned effectively, using assessment to identify ‘really clearly the next steps to teach pupils’.
• Personal, social and health education prepares pupils well to be ‘safe in their communities and in relationships’.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should ensure staff receive training to build confidence in teaching ‘subject-specific content’ in subjects other than English and mathematics, so pupils learn essential knowledge rather than just remembering activities.
• Leaders need to organise up-to-date phonics training for newer staff to ensure accurate teaching and sound pronunciation, which currently hinders progress for early readers.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are ‘effective’, with extensive and effective work with local agencies, though more could be done to check on the very few pupils not currently attending school.