Woodfield School, located in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, provides education for pupils with profound and multiple learning difficulties, severe learning difficulties, autistic spectrum disorders, and multi-sensory impairments. The school has a total enrollment of 124 pupils, including 20 in the sixth form. The recent inspection, conducted on October 1 and 2, 2024, resulted in a Good rating across all key areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision. This is a notable shift from the previous inspection, which rated the school as Outstanding.
Pupils at Woodfield School are greeted warmly each morning, which helps them settle into their daily routines. The school emphasizes the importance of safety and positive relationships between staff and pupils. Staff members are dedicated to teaching pupils how to communicate their needs and preferences effectively, using a variety of symbols and words. This focus on communication is crucial for helping pupils express their feelings and engage with others.
The school has high expectations for both learning and behavior, and pupils generally respond well, participating actively in interesting learning activities. The curriculum is designed to be engaging, with themes that capture pupils' interests, such as heroes. However, the curriculum is still under development, and some learning steps are broad, leading to occasional gaps in essential knowledge and skills. Staff are working to create smaller, more manageable tasks to help pupils achieve these broader goals, but clarity around specific learning steps is sometimes lacking.
Pupils benefit from a range of activities that promote their health and well-being, including dance lessons and community visits that teach safety skills. Over time, staff encourage pupils to develop independence by engaging in tasks such as tidying up, which prepares them for future life skills. The school’s personal development program teaches pupils how to stay safe in various situations, and they are given responsibilities that help build their confidence and self-esteem.
While the school has made significant strides in improving its curriculum and teaching methods, some parents have expressed concerns about the permanence of recent positive changes, particularly regarding staff retention. Leaders and governors are aware of these concerns and are taking steps to address them, including plans to enhance communication with parents through technology.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, ensuring that pupils are protected and supported. Staff members receive training that equips them to meet the diverse needs of pupils, and they are committed to fostering a positive learning environment. The school’s approach to behavior management is rooted in understanding the challenges faced by pupils, which contributes to a supportive atmosphere.
Overall, Woodfield School is making commendable progress in providing quality education and support for its pupils. The leadership team is focused on refining the curriculum and ensuring that all staff are aligned with the school’s goals. Continued efforts to clarify learning targets and enhance communication with parents will be essential as the school moves forward. The positive relationships between staff and pupils, along with the commitment to individualized learning, are key strengths that contribute to the school’s success.
