Wandle Valley Academy, located in Carshalton, Surrey, is recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 15 and 16, 2023. The headteacher, Lynda Harris, leads the school, which is part of the Parallel Learning Trust. This trust is overseen by interim chief executive officer Angela Barry and a board of trustees chaired by Jonathan Alvis. The school caters to pupils aged 5 to 16, with a current enrollment of 88 students, all of whom have an education, health, and care plan for social, emotional, and mental health needs.
The school environment is supportive, particularly for pupils who have experienced significant disruptions in their education prior to joining. Staff members are dedicated to helping these students catch up academically while also addressing their social and emotional needs. The small class sizes are appreciated by pupils, allowing for personalized attention and fostering trusting relationships with staff. The school emphasizes high expectations for both academic performance and behavior, with staff responding promptly and calmly to any behavioral incidents.
Pupils are educated about bullying and are encouraged to report any incidents, confident that staff will address their concerns effectively. The school offers a diverse range of enrichment activities, particularly popular on Wednesday afternoons, where pupils can engage in art, cookery, coding, tennis, and various sports. The Friday golden time serves as a reward for good behavior and academic effort, with pupils celebrating their achievements in weekly assemblies. The school maintains positive communication with parents and carers, which is valued by the community.
Wandle Valley Academy provides a broad and ambitious curriculum that allows pupils to study various subjects while addressing gaps in their learning. Secondary pupils leave with qualifications that facilitate their transition to further education. The academy council and trust have worked collaboratively to enhance accountability within the school, ensuring a balance of challenge and support for leaders and staff. The commitment of the staff to help every pupil overcome their challenges is evident in their teamwork and dedication.
The curriculum is designed with individual pupil needs in mind, including off-site vocational learning opportunities for older students. The sequencing of the curriculum is generally logical, building on prior knowledge. For instance, pupils begin learning about fractions in Year 3 and progress to confidently converting improper fractions by Year 7. Teachers effectively check for understanding and address misconceptions.
While most subject leaders have identified essential knowledge for pupils, there are a few subjects where the curriculum does not clearly outline the necessary building blocks of knowledge. In these instances, the focus may shift to activities rather than the critical content that pupils need to grasp. Reading is prioritized, with assessments conducted upon pupils' arrival. Phonics instruction is effectively utilized, and one-to-one reading support is provided as needed, fostering a culture of reading throughout the school.
Staff adapt their teaching strategies to meet the diverse academic and behavioral needs of pupils, regularly sharing successful approaches. Attendance patterns are closely monitored, and leaders work supportively with families to address attendance issues. The personal, social, and health education curriculum prepares pupils for life beyond school, emphasizing personal boundaries and safety. The school also offers a robust careers program, facilitating interactions with employers and further education providers.
The safeguarding arrangements at Wandle Valley Academy are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To further improve, the school should focus on clearly identifying and sequencing key knowledge in a small number of subjects to enhance the depth of learning. Overall, Wandle Valley Academy continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
