Woodlands School

Overview

Woodlands School is confirmed as a good school, described as a "warm, welcoming place where pupils thrive." Leaders and staff are determined to give every pupil a voice, with a strong focus on developing communication skills and independence. The school provides an ambitious curriculum tailored to pupils with complex needs, supported by strong relationships and high expectations.

Strengths

• The curriculum is "ambitious" and meets the needs of pupils with a wide range of special educational needs and/or disabilities, with education, health and care plans at its centre.
• Staff use "expertly" delivered phonics programmes and a "wide range of communication aids" to help pupils become confident readers and communicators.
• Pupils feel "valued and safe," with strong relationships, kind behaviour, and rare bullying; staff support those who find it hard to regulate emotions.
• Leaders provide "comprehensive and up-to-date safeguarding training," ensuring staff act quickly on risks and follow up referrals tenaciously.
• Governors "hold leaders to account appropriately," and staff enjoy their work, appreciating the consideration given to their well-being.

Areas to improve

• In some subjects, staff’s "specialist subject knowledge" is limited, meaning pupils "do not build their knowledge as well as they could." Leaders should ensure staff have the expertise needed for pupils to know and remember more.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff understanding their responsibilities, recognising signs of risk, and acting quickly to protect pupils.