Windlehurst School, located in Marple, Stockport, Cheshire, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness, receiving a Good rating in its recent inspection. The school provides a calm and welcoming environment where pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions. The strong relationships between staff and students contribute to a positive atmosphere, with pupils expressing satisfaction with the attention they receive due to small class sizes. The school has established well-planned routines that help pupils settle quickly at the start of lessons, and teachers effectively utilize information from pupils' education, health, and care plans to support their learning.
Pupils at Windlehurst School achieve well, obtaining a variety of qualifications, including English and mathematics, by the end of Year 11. Those who attend alternative providers gain the confidence necessary to pursue further education or work placements. Parents and carers have expressed high levels of satisfaction with the quality of education their children receive. The school prioritizes pupil safety, with students understanding how to keep themselves safe online and feeling comfortable approaching trusted adults with concerns. While some instances of bullying occur, staff are quick to address these issues effectively.
The curriculum at Windlehurst School is broad and balanced, designed to build on pupils' existing knowledge. Teachers, supported by teaching assistants, deliver lessons logically, ensuring that pupils can recall previous learning and address misconceptions. The school has effective systems in place to identify pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that these students engage well in lessons. The dedicated staff team assesses pupils' reading knowledge and implements support programs to help those who may fall behind.
Pupils demonstrate high levels of engagement in lessons, with minimal disruption due to the strong understanding staff have of their needs. The school has made notable improvements in attendance and behavior for some pupils, although there is room for improvement in how attendance and behavior data are utilized to inform support programs for a small number of students.
Windlehurst School excels in supporting pupils' personal development, teaching them about democracy and modern British life. Outdoor learning opportunities foster collaboration and planning skills, while participation in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award helps pupils understand the value of community service and workplace success. The leadership team has effectively managed the school through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that pupils continued to access the curriculum remotely.
The school leaders and governors have a clear vision for the institution, promoting the physical and emotional well-being of pupils. Staff overwhelmingly support the leadership, appreciating their consideration of well-being and workload. The governing body provides effective support and challenge to school leaders.
Safeguarding arrangements at Windlehurst School are robust, with systems in place to identify and address concerns promptly. Staff receive relevant training to fulfill their safeguarding responsibilities, and collaboration with external agencies ensures that pupils and their families receive necessary support. Pupils are educated on managing online risks, including the dangers of inappropriate content and gender stereotypes.
To improve further, the school needs to enhance the consistency of assessment information usage to better support a small number of pupils struggling with reading. Additionally, leaders should utilize behavior and attendance data more effectively to understand and address barriers to improvement for some students. Overall, Windlehurst School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
