Chiltern Wood School, located in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 15 and 16, 2024. The school caters to pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, providing a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters a love for learning. Students arrive each day with enthusiasm, reflecting the positive atmosphere cultivated by the staff. The school’s vision emphasizes active engagement in learning and the development of independence skills, which is effectively realized in practice.
Staff members are dedicated to understanding each pupil's individual needs, ensuring that they receive the necessary support during challenging situations. This personalized approach helps students manage their emotions and maintain a calm demeanor, contributing to a purposeful learning environment. The kindness exhibited among pupils further enhances the school’s community spirit.
Chiltern Wood School excels in promoting personal development through various extracurricular activities and trips, including visits to music venues and opportunities for pupils to contribute to school improvements via the school council. Parents express high levels of satisfaction with the support their children receive, highlighting the school’s commitment to their well-being.
The curriculum at Chiltern Wood is ambitious and tailored to meet the diverse needs of its pupils. It includes well-structured pathways that facilitate learning for those with profound and multiple learning difficulties. Staff adapt their teaching methods to ensure that pupils can transfer their knowledge across different contexts, such as learning to count in various ways. Personalised goals derived from education, health, and care plans are integrated into lessons, reinforcing targets throughout the school day.
Communication development is a key focus, with skilled staff collaborating to implement effective strategies that enhance pupils' communication skills. Many students become proficient in expressing themselves through various means, including technology and visual symbols, which reduces frustration and fosters engagement. Reading is prioritized, with innovative approaches like story massage and sensory stories being introduced. However, the implementation of the phonics curriculum is still in its early stages, and some staff require further training to ensure all pupils achieve their reading potential.
The school places a strong emphasis on personal development, teaching pupils to respect the needs of others and promoting physical and mental health awareness. Initiatives such as creating a vegetable growing area and engaging in cooking activities help students develop practical life skills. The curriculum also includes career education, preparing pupils for life beyond school, with many progressing to college placements.
Staff morale is high, with teachers feeling valued and supported in their roles. The governing body demonstrates a thorough understanding of the school’s operations, effectively challenging and supporting its work. Safeguarding measures are robust, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. The phonics curriculum needs further embedding to enhance reading outcomes for all pupils. Additionally, the school is working on refining systems to assess prior learning, ensuring that new knowledge builds on existing understanding. Overall, Chiltern Wood School continues to provide a high-quality education for its pupils, fostering an environment where they can thrive academically and personally.
