Woolley Wood School, located in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on April 30 and May 1, 2024. The school serves 106 pupils aged 3 to 11 with a range of severe and profound learning difficulties, including autism and complex medical needs. All students have an education, health, and care plan, and the school also provides early years education for two-year-olds.
The atmosphere at Woolley Wood School is vibrant and welcoming. Pupils arrive with enthusiasm, greeted by staff who assist them in settling into their classrooms. Parents and carers express high levels of satisfaction, noting that their children enjoy attending the school. The staff and leadership team maintain high expectations for all pupils, focusing on their abilities rather than their special educational needs and disabilities. This approach fosters independence and encourages pupils to engage in new activities confidently.
A standout feature of the school is its forest school program, which many pupils enjoy. Activities such as identifying trees, swinging on rope swings, and relaxing in hammocks contribute to the development of confidence and self-esteem. The curriculum is tailored to meet individual needs, with a strong emphasis on communication, reading, and language skills. The new phonics scheme is delivered regularly, and while pupils participate enthusiastically, there are inconsistencies in the assessment of phonics progress.
The school excels in building strong relationships among staff, pupils, and families. Staff members have a deep understanding of each pupil's needs, preferences, and challenges, allowing for a bespoke curriculum that is both challenging and supportive. Personal, social, and health education is taught effectively, covering age-appropriate topics and promoting respect for diverse cultures and faiths. The physical education curriculum is also well-received, with pupils actively participating in various activities, including dance and trampoline exercises.
In early years, children engage in a wide range of learning activities that promote exploration and social skills. Staff work collaboratively to maximize progress, ensuring that children learn to take turns and move around the classroom calmly. However, some areas of the curriculum, particularly the newly introduced phonics program and certain aspects of physical education, require further development to ensure consistent implementation and assessment.
The school’s vision of providing a once-in-a-lifetime education is evident through various enriching experiences, including residential trips and educational visits to places of worship and community venues. These experiences broaden pupils' understanding of the world and enhance their social skills. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the school has seen an improvement in overall attendance compared to pre-pandemic levels.
While the school demonstrates effective safeguarding arrangements, there are areas for improvement. Staff require additional training to assess pupils' progress in phonics consistently, and governors need to enhance their challenge to senior leaders to ensure rapid development in certain areas. Overall, Woolley Wood School continues to provide a supportive and engaging environment for its pupils, fostering their growth and development while addressing their unique needs.
