Warmley Park School, located in Bristol, is a maintained special community school that caters to pupils with severe learning difficulties and autistic spectrum disorder. The recent inspection conducted on November 7 and 8, 2023, confirmed that the school continues to be a good institution. The school fosters strong communication skills and respectful relationships among pupils and staff, promoting independence and confidence in students.
The school collaborates closely with parents and carers from the outset, ensuring that they understand the special educational needs and disabilities of their children. This proactive approach allows pupils to make steady progress along ambitious learning pathways in communication, mathematics, and personal development. Staff members are skilled in supporting pupils to achieve their education, health, and care plan targets.
Pupils are taught essential social skills, including waiting, taking turns, and sharing, within a calm and orderly environment. They feel safe and happy at school, understanding the importance of consent in healthy relationships. The school emphasizes the significance of community, with pupils able to identify individuals who support them both in school and in the local area.
The school provides well-planned opportunities for personal development, encouraging participation in various clubs and roles of responsibility, such as bus helpers and student wellbeing ambassadors. Post-16 students work towards The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, fostering a sense of pride in their achievements.
The school community shares a common vision and ethos, with pupil feedback being integral to curriculum planning. The governing body actively monitors the impact of the school’s work, maintaining high expectations for pupils to secure their knowledge and skills in communication, relationships, and independence.
The curriculum includes a ‘world of work’ component that begins in early years, equipping pupils with life and work skills. Key stage four pupils engage in work experience, and post-16 students participate in community-based opportunities. The school prioritizes regular attendance, working with families to address barriers to attendance, such as offering medical appointments on-site.
Interactions between staff and pupils are of high quality, promoting communication skills and curiosity. Staff utilize various methods, including repetition of important phrases and multisensory resources, to support learning. Regular assessments of communication and phonics knowledge help identify pupils needing additional support.
While the school excels in many areas, some subject curriculums and assessments are still developing. This has resulted in gaps in pupils’ knowledge in certain subjects, and staff are working to identify these gaps more accurately. The school has recently revised its behavior policy to better reflect its commitment to supporting pupils’ emotional management, leading to a reduction in behavior incidents.
The school prioritizes the well-being of pupils, parents, and staff, offering holiday clubs and access to facilities like the swimming pool and library. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all.
In summary, Warmley Park School is a good school that effectively supports its pupils' educational and personal development needs while fostering a strong sense of community and well-being. The school is committed to continuous improvement, particularly in enhancing subject leadership and addressing knowledge gaps in the curriculum.
