Watermill School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 14 November 2023

Staff cherish and value their time with pupils at Watermill School. Staff are quietly determined that every lesson will help pupils develop the skills and knowledge they need to thrive. Recent changes to the curriculum are improving outcomes for pupils. Leaders are determined to make further changes to make sure every moment counts. Pupils have various special educational needs and/or disability (SEND) needs that could affect how well they learn. Staff and families work together to provide the right support pupils need to overcome any barriers to learning and life. Staff meet pupils' sensory, physical, medical and learning needs well. The school ensures that each child believes in themselves and their ability to make their own choices. Pupils are supported to consider alternative ways of dealing with negative feelings and emotions. Consequently, pupils behave well in lessons, and at breaktime and lunchtime, because they feel safe and valued. Pupils make the most of the opportunities to develop their own interests and hobbies and thrive. An impressive range of school clubs, such as music, dance and sports, enrich pupils' time at Watermill. Positive mental health is prioritised through opportunities to engage with nature, talk and build lasting friendships.

What the school should improve

• The school's curriculum is not always coherently planned and sequenced towards cumulatively sufficient knowledge for future learning. In some units, there is a lack of clarity about what knowledge should be taught. The school needs to ensure that the planned curriculum in all subjects and for all pupils clearly defines, in a logical sequence, the subject knowledge that leaders intend pupils to gain over time.
• Some staff do not always ensure that their own speaking, interactions and communications support pupils' understanding of what is being taught. In those cases, well-intentioned interactions between staff and pupils are based on too many words, which confuses some pupils. The school needs to ensure that all staff carefully and precisely use language to make instructions and communication clear for all pupils, including those with complex speech, language and communication needs.

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