Chiltern Way Academy Wokingham

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils appreciate being part of this exceptional school, where they feel 'accepted' and 'included'. They speak highly of the support and kindness they receive from the dedicated staff team. Pupils value the time taken to get to know and understand them as unique individuals.

This motivates pupils to try their best and creates a tangibly positive, happy, and nurturing environment.

There is a continual focus on preparing pupils to be equipped with the life skills they need to make a valuable contribution to society. Right from when they start at school, the innovative curriculum inspires pupils to develop their interests and talents.

They work hard to achieve r...elevant qualifications that will help them gain paid employment in their futures. Every day starts with a dedicated 'orientation and regulation' session. This enables pupils to self-regulate, explore and understand their emotions.

They learn useful strategies to help them focus on their learning in class.

Pupils who are new to the school settle in quickly because routines are well established. Those who have been in the school longer reflect maturely on how changes have significantly transformed their school.

They particularly appreciate the broad range of subjects where they can learn important life skills. This includes outdoor education and hospitality. Many parents commented on how their children have 'thrived' as part of this caring school.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

Robust and decisive action was taken as soon as the school joined the trust. The journey of improvement has been rapid. An aspirational and meticulously organised curriculum is now in place.

This includes academic subjects which can be studied to high level qualifications, alongside vocational routes, which prepare pupils for the world of work. Therapists and subject experts collaborate effectively to deliver high-quality training to all staff. This ensures all staff develop expert knowledge of the subjects they teach as well as a depth of understanding about the pupils' special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Learning is carefully adapted to meet individual needs. This all results in engaging and purposeful lessons, which equip pupils with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful.

There is a noteworthy focus on reading, and pupils are expertly supported to overcome any barriers they have.

Teachers accurately assess pupils' phonic knowledge and swiftly put in place any extra support needed. Pupils quickly grow in confidence and start to really enjoy reading. One younger pupil commented 'Now I am learning to read…I feel so good about it!' As pupils progress through the school, the English curriculum includes a broad range of thoughtfully selected texts that help them learn about the world around them.

All staff share a resolute determination for all pupils to succeed, both academically and personally. Pupils co-produce their own targets to identify the behaviours that will help them to be successful, both socially and academically. Throughout the predictably organised day, pupils have regular opportunities to reflect on their progress against these personal goals.

Success earns them 'C-Bucks' reward points. They save these to spend in the school shop, which is ably managed by one of the pupils. Where pupils who have complex behavioural needs or find it more difficult to manage their feelings and emotions, expert staff are there.

They support pupils with consistent approaches, underpinned with dignity and respect.

Weekly curriculum enrichment sessions provide an extensive range of activities to spark pupils' interests. Some choose to play in a band, others pursue creative arts and drama.

Pupils learn the benefits of competing in team sports. They reflect on how this develops their tolerance and ability to work well with others. The school makes sure pupils value the diversity of the wider world.

The recent memorable 'community day' is a strong example of the school coming together to raise money for charity and contribute their time to the community. These activities included some pupils tidying the local churchyard and others who ran a pop-up café.

There is a relentless drive to deliver continuous improvements and make a positive difference to the pupils here.

Staff feel valued and well supported to develop and share their expertise. They appreciate the culture of mutual support that school and trust leaders have created and, as a result, pupils flourish.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.