Aidenswood School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 5 March 2024

Aidenswood School is a nurturing and happy place to learn. Pupils arrive at the school having experienced significant disruption to their education. They see Aidenswood School as a fresh start. They are encouraged to 'Aspire, Achieve and Succeed' during their time at the school. The school has high expectations for pupils' achievement. It is ambitious for its pupils and committed to improving their life chances. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), experience a curriculum that is appropriate to their needs. They are typically successful in achieving the qualifications that they need to go on to their next step when they leave the school. Pupils feel listened to and valued. They quickly develop positive relationships with staff. Pupils told inspectors that staff are approachable and help them with any worries that they may have. During their time at the school, pupils are taught to understand and manage their emotions. As a result of the school's approach, pupils are well supported to reengage with their education. Pupils value the points and rewards that they can earn for good behaviour. This helps pupils to take pride in their learning and achievements. Pupils are provided with opportunities to learn beyond the academic curriculum. For example, pupils benefit from regular workshops with the police about a range of aspects of personal safety. Pupils enjoy weekly physical education sessions at a local community centre. They also benefit from visits to the local area, for example, a local country park, linked to their current learning.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, the school has not considered in enough depth what they expect pupils to learn in each year group. This means that pupils do not learn some important knowledge in a progressive and sequenced manner. Consequently, pupils' acquisition of knowledge is not as strong as it should be in these subjects. The school should ensure that it is clear about what knowledge pupils will be taught and when it will be taught in these subjects. This will help to ensure that pupils' knowledge builds logically over time.
• Some aspects of the school's personal development programme are underdeveloped. This means that pupils do not have sufficient opportunities to build their character and confidence. The school should further clarify and strengthen its personal development programme so that pupils have carefully ordered opportunities to promote their personal development during their time at the school.

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