The Woodlands School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 May 2022

This is a nurturing school that puts pupils' care at the forefront. Adults know how to support pupils' special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils are looked after well. They say that they feel safe, and that they trust staff to care for them and enjoy coming to school. Staff promote positive working relationships between pupils effectively. Any disagreements between pupils are quickly resolved and used as a learning opportunity. Pupils behave well and engage readily with learning activities. This is because they are provided with experiences that are right for them. Leaders have high expectations of what pupils can achieve. They believe that SEND should not be a barrier to pupils achieving well. As a teacher said, 'We are pushing pupils towards academic success and not limiting them.' Consequently, pupils do well at this school. Sixth-form students are prepared well for their next steps. They all have the opportunity to gain suitable qualifications. Leaders ensure that students learn about the workplace. There is an effective focus on developing their independent living skills. The majority of parents and carers are highly complimentary about the school. One parent, typical of many, commented, 'The Walnuts School has changed my child's life for the better.'

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, leaders have not ensured that staff are clear about the small, precise steps needed to ensure that pupils' learning builds on existing learning. As a result, teachers' implementation of the curriculum across all subjects is not as consistent as it could be. Leaders should continue to put their plans in place to provide subject-specific knowledge training for staff to enable them to steer pupils through the small steps needed to achieve the best they can in all subjects across the curriculum.

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