White Trees Independent School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 14 May 2024

White Trees School provides pupils with a safe and nurturing environment. This is important. Many pupils have often had negative experiences of school. Staff work patiently to build positive and trusting relationships. They listen to their concerns and take time to help pupils get ready for their learning. Pupils respond to this well. They appreciate the encouragement and support they receive from staff. It helps to build their self-esteem and reignite their interest in education. Pupils arrive each morning and are welcomed by adults. This provides a calm start to the day. There are times when pupils have greater difficulties at settling into school. Staff know how to turn this around. They use their knowledge of each pupil to help them to manage their behaviours. Staff never give up on any pupil and have high expectations of all. This means over time pupils' behaviour improves and their sense of self-worth increases. Pupils take part in different outdoor activities. Many activities are new for pupils and help to broaden their horizons of what they can achieve. Adventurous sports such as paddle boarding and kayaking develops pupils' resilience. Looking after animals helps them to better understand about care and responsibility.

What the school should improve

• Not all staff have secure subject knowledge to implement leaders newly devised plans effectively. They do not adapt the curriculum in a timely way to match learning to pupils' individual needs effectively. This means pupils do not make the progress they are capable of. Leaders should ensure that all teachers have the detailed knowledge of each subject they teach and guidance about how to adapt activities. This is to ensure pupils make the best progress possible.
• Some pupils do not attend school as often as they should. This means that they are missing important aspects in their education and do not benefit from the wide range of opportunities and experiences staff provide. The school should continue to use its approaches and raise pupils' attendance.

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