The Willows School and Early Years Centre

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 July 2023

Pupils are happy at this inclusive school. They trust that adults in the school will help them be the best they can be. Pupils meet the high expectations that adults have for them in both their learning and their conduct around the school. As a result, a sense of calm pervades every classroom. Pupils are considerate towards each other and are inclusive when they talk about the ways in which people are different. Pupils learn about healthy relationships and how to keep themselves safe. They know who their trusted adults are who they can talk to if they have any worries. There are equal ambitions for every pupil, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils' wide range of needs are rapidly identifed and mostly met well. Many pupils benefit from the specialist support leaders have put in place. The school has a strong community feel. Pupils are proud to demonstrate the school's mission statement, 'To become honest, active citizens and lifelong learners in a global society'. The focus on this helps pupils to learn how to be positive members of their community. This is clear to see in how they celebrate the diversity of cultures in the community.

What the school should improve

• Provision for pupils with SEND is being further refined by leaders. Currently, the support that a small number of pupils with the most complex needs receive is not as precise as it could be. Leaders should continue their work to enhance and embed practice across the entire school.
• Leaders are still making changes to a small number of subjects within the curriculum where pupils do not learn as well as they could. Leaders should ensure that, for all subjects taught, staff have secure understanding of the steps of knowledge pupils will build over time and the subsequent ambitious end points they will achieve.

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