Oakwood School, located in Walsall Wood, West Midlands, has undergone significant changes since its last inspection in 2018. The school has seen a notable increase in pupil enrollment, including the addition of secondary-aged students, necessitating the expansion to a new site. Despite these changes, the school has maintained its overall judgment of outstanding during the recent ungraded inspection conducted on June 4 and 5, 2024. However, evidence suggests that if a graded inspection were to occur now, the outcome might not be as favorable.
The school prioritizes relationships and care, with leaders and staff dedicated to ensuring that every pupil leads a happy and successful life. This commitment is reflected in the positive feedback from parents, with one stating that they do not know what they would do without the school. Pupils are described as happy and content, benefiting from a supportive environment where staff treat them with kindness and understand their individual needs. This supportive atmosphere contributes to pupils being calm, settled, and engaged in their learning.
Oakwood School offers a diverse range of opportunities that enhance pupils' life experiences, including activities such as judo, rebound therapy, and community visits. These experiences foster a sense of responsibility and community engagement among pupils, allowing them to take on various roles within the school. The curriculum has been carefully developed to equip pupils with essential life skills, including communication, reading, and problem-solving. The school employs a curriculum pathway model that aligns with each pupil's needs, ensuring that lessons are tailored to overcome barriers to learning.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require improvement. Some agreed strategies for developing pupils' communication skills are not consistently implemented by all staff, which can hinder progress for some pupils. The school recognizes the importance of communication and employs various methods, such as picture exchange systems and signing, to support pupils. However, the inconsistent application of these strategies can slow down learning for some students.
Reading is a strong focus at Oakwood School, with staff effectively teaching phonics to those ready to learn. For pupils not yet prepared for phonics, a structured approach is in place to develop their attention and awareness of sounds. The school emphasizes making every moment count, providing pupils with opportunities to practice communication skills in real-world settings, such as local shops and cafes. This practical approach helps pupils understand life beyond the school environment and prepares them for future endeavors.
Partnerships with families are a priority, with the school’s family support team playing a crucial role in assisting parents during challenging times. Leaders have effectively guided staff through the recent changes, ensuring that they feel supported during the implementation of the new curriculum and other developments.
The safeguarding arrangements at Oakwood School are deemed effective, contributing to a safe learning environment for all pupils. Overall, while the school has made significant strides in its development and continues to provide a high-quality education, there is a need for consistent implementation of communication strategies to ensure that all pupils can fully access the curriculum and achieve their potential. The next inspection will be a graded one, which will provide further insight into the school's progress and areas for improvement.
