Welden School
Whispering Trees CIC, Shardlow Road, Aston-on-Trent, Derby, DE72 2ANOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Welden School is a special school in Derby for ages 10 to 16. It is one of the 449 schools in Derbyshire. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in May 2024.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 21 May 2024, report published 1 July 2024
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 21 May 2024
Pupils are proud to be part of Welden School. They are happy and feel safe. They know that staff listen to any worries that they have and will do the right thing. Pupils are cared for very well. They are known individually. They are polite. Relationships are respectful. Visitors are made to feel very welcome. The school sets high expectations of behaviour. Pupils strive to meet these expectations. They are supported to understand and manage their behaviours. Pupils' behaviour and attitudes improve significantly during their time at the school. They behave well. All pupils attend very well. Their attendance improves over time and is significantly better than in their previous educational setting. Pupils want to be at the school. They appreciate the support given by staff. Pupils are nurtured to be self-confident, resilient and to develop their character. They enjoy the horticulture and animal care opportunities provided. Peter, the rabbit, is particularly liked. All parents and carers value what the school offers. A parent, typical of others, commented, 'The school has made my child feel safe and secure, encouraged them academically and also responded to their struggles. They have provided lots of educational opportunities while also providing a nurturing environment.'
What the school should improve
- There is some inconsistency in the expectations for pupils' learning in some foundation subjects. As a result, pupils do not have the opportunities to gain knowledge and skills fully in these subjects. Leaders need to ensure that all foundation subject curriculums are consistently implemented well. Thus enabling pupils to know and remember more in all these subjects.
Pupil numbers and mix
9 pupils on roll, with places for 9
Schools near Welden School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Martins School | 3 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | Attainment 8: 1.7 |
| Kingsmead School | 4 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| Spring Valley School | 4 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| Stanton Vale School | 5 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good to outstanding | 0% met the expected standard |
| Brackenfield Special School | 5 miles | Ofsted judgements: Outstanding | 0% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Other independent special school
- Sector
- Independent
- Age range
- 10 to 16
- Gender
- Mixed
- Headteacher
- Mr Tim Strutz
- Phone
- 01332987752
- Address
- Whispering Trees CIC, Shardlow Road, Aston-on-Trent, Derby, DE72 2AN
- Local authority
- Derbyshire
- URN
- 149820
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.