Woolgrove School, Special Needs Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 23 November 2022

Pupils, parents and staff all agree that Woolgrove is a school where everyone 'lives, laughs and learns together'. Pupils thrive in this school. They are extremely happy, feel safe and thoroughly enjoy their learning. The youngest children in Reception and new pupils to the school settle quickly. Most pupils are kind to each other and value the 'family' community. Over time, many pupils learn strategies to manage their emotions and behaviour. Behaviour in lessons is calm and purposeful. Bullying is rare. When it does happen, staff help pupils to cope with any anxieties they may have. Pupils appreciate the support that teachers give them to help them learn. This includes when they struggle because they feel that the work is difficult. Parents who responded to the online questionnaire and who spoke to inspectors on site told us that they are happy with their child's progress and like the way the curriculum is adapted to suit pupils' needs. Many parents used words such as 'fabulous' and 'amazing' to describe the support their child receives. They value the commitment of leaders and staff in helping their child to succeed.

What the school should improve

• In a small number of curriculum subjects there is some minor variation in the expertise of staff. Where this is the case, pupils do not make the best possible progress. Leaders should continue with their planned programme of staff development, to support staff to teach all aspects of the curriculum consistently well.

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