Woodley School and College

Overview

Woodley School and College continues to be a good school, with leaders holding high aspirations for pupils to communicate well and achieve independence. The curriculum has been redeveloped to meet individual special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring personalised learning pathways that prepare students for adult life. Most pupils feel happy and secure, benefiting from strong relationships with staff and a well-resourced environment.

Strengths

• The curriculum is clearly mapped and well sequenced, with lessons building knowledge and skills over time while carefully considering pupils’ education, health and care plan targets.
• Leaders prioritise reading, with most pupils engaging well; those needing support receive phonics instruction, and pupils are confident to read in front of visitors.
• Sixth-form students follow pathways focusing on independence and employment, pursuing appropriate qualifications that prepare them well for college and work.
• Staff proactively manage behaviour, modelling expected conduct and teaching good manners, resulting in pupils behaving well and reporting that bullying does not happen.
• There is a comprehensive personal development offer, including cultural experiences and careers events, with governors actively involved in ensuring leaders’ actions have an impact.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should further develop staff’s knowledge and skills to support pupils in maximising learning opportunities, ensuring the new proactive behaviour management system raises outcomes for all pupils.
• Leaders should further develop the wider curriculum to ensure pupils are well prepared for adulthood with a rich set of experiences and skills as they progress through school.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding, thorough checks on adults, and prompt referrals to external agencies ensuring pupils receive the correct support.