Allestree Woodlands School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 23 April 2024

This is a highly inclusive school. The school's core values of courage, optimism, regard, and endeavour are a key part of school life. Adults and pupils show mutual respect to each other. Pupils feel well supported in their studies. They are confident to ask questions in lessons or to ask for extra help. Pupils are polite and well mannered when moving around the school site. At break and lunchtimes, pupils can engage in wider curriculum activities. These activities include chess and football. Lessons are calm and disruption is rarely seen. Pupils feel safe at Allestree Woodlands School. The school has high expectations of all pupils. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are included in all parts of school life, including trips and wider curriculum activities. Pupils with SEND access most lessons within the main school. The school uses additional adults to support them in the classroom. Some of these adults use British Sign Language. As a result, pupils with a hearing impairment can fully participate in all parts of the lesson. Pupils have opportunities to take part in a wide range of extra-curricular activities. This consists of over 100 clubs. Student leaders undertake an active role in contributing to the wider school.

What the school should improve

• The attendance of some pupils remains too low. Leaders have made recent improvements, but these still require further development. Some pupils, particularly those that are most disadvantaged, have some gaps in their learning due to absence. The school needs to make sure that it continues to reduce absence for all pupils to reduce the gaps in knowledge and to improve pupil outcomes.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)