Pupils make 'significant strides' at this Leeds special needs school - Ofsted
‘Families and children are at the centre of all that the school does’
Pupils make “significant strides” at a special needs school in Leeds, according to Ofsted inspectors.
West Oaks School, located on Crowther Place, Woodhouse, received a ‘Strong standard’ rating in all eight inspected categories - during an Ofsted visit on June 30.
They were graded as a ‘Strong standard’ in the categories of achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, early years, inclusion, leadership and governance, personal development and wellbeing, and post-16 provision.
The school, which has a long standing reputation for excellence in Special Educational Needs provision, was previously rated as Outstanding under Ofsted’s old scoring system, during its last full inspection in 2012.
“This is a school that aims for ‘excellence for everyone’,” the education watchdog said. “Pupils thrive, as it goes a long way towards meeting that aim. Families and children are at the centre of all that the school does.
“Pupils make significant strides in their individual curriculums. They achieve consistently well from their individual starting points. The personalised approach is highly effective and staff work together to ensure pupils thrive.”
Leaders show considerable expertise in priorities that matter most for pupils with autism and communication needs, according to the report. This includes creating a stable, calm and welcoming environment, where pupils build trust in others over time.
Personal, social and health education, alongside other elements of the curriculum such as the assembly programme, cover statutory requirements. The curriculum is successfully adapted for individual needs.
Pupils are taught in one of 5 pathways so that teachers can effectively support pupils with different types of needs.
Children in Reception are taught together with other pupils up to Year 2 in the foundations pathway. Here, adults work to understand and accurately pinpoint children's needs. This helps leaders know what pathway children will move into.
The education watchdog added: “Pupils attend school regularly and often. This is because they enjoy coming to school and want to be there. Systems to support families with attendance are robust and systematic.
“Pupils feel safe at school. They say that they have an adult that they can speak with if ever they are worried. Staff know what can make individuals feel anxious or insecure.”
Sixth-form students are very well prepared for their next steps after West Oaks, according to the report. Some students focus on developing their social skills. For others there is a focus on work-related learning.
Pupils “flourish” because leaders accurately identify and effectively address their needs. Leaders ensure that pupils are placed in the correct pathway to ensure that teaching and provision help to remove barriers.
Focusing on next steps the report added that those responsible for governance should ensure that leaders continue to strive for the very best for all pupils in their care, ensuring that the provision is transformational for all.
Posting to Instagram, a spokesperson for West Oaks said: “The report celebrates what makes West Oaks so special: our fantastic pupils, the dedication of our staff and our wonderfully supportive school community.
“We are incredibly proud of everyone who contributes to creating a school where children feel safe, valued and able to achieve their very best.”