Elmwood School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils enjoy attending Elmwood School.

They feel happy and safe and respond positively to high expectations and clear routines. All pupils who expressed an opinion would recommend the school to a friend who moved into the area.

Pupils are encouraged to 're-imagine their potential'.

Staff know the pupils well and adapt the curriculum to help pupils succeed. Pupils benefit from academic studies, high-quality outdoor learning, careers education and personal development opportunities. These experiences help to prepare pupils for life beyond school.

The start of the school day is calm and orderly. Pupils are welcomed onto the school site and given time to... express their feelings and get ready to learn. Pupils usually behave well in class and around the school.

Low-level disruption in lessons is uncommon.

Staff promote equality and diversity effectively. Pupils learn how to be tolerant and respectful.

They do not consider bullying to be an issue. Pupils are confident that staff will help them to quickly resolve any concerns that arise.

Most pupils attend regularly, but some pupils continue to be absent too often.

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

The curriculum is well planned and ambitious for all. Pupils study a range of subjects. High-quality outdoor learning supplements what takes place in the classroom.

English and mathematics are particularly strong, although some areas of the curriculum are not yet embedded as securely as others.

Reading is at the heart of the curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to read regularly in lessons and through the school's social reading programme.

Pupils know that reading is important for future learning and adult life.

Staff have secure subject knowledge and use this to help pupils know more and remember more. Teachers use assessment well to adapt their teaching and shape the curriculum.

Staff work well together, and teaching assistants are deployed effectively to support learning.

Pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education. The key stage 3 curriculum gives pupils the building blocks that they need for Years 10 and 11.

The key stage 4 curriculum is tailored to help pupils move successfully into post-16 education. Key stage 4 pupils achieve well. However, the work produced by younger pupils is not consistently of the highest quality.

Staff have high expectations of pupils' behaviour. They are well trained to manage pupils' behaviour. They use de-escalation strategies well.

The use of physical intervention has declined significantly since the last inspection. Suspensions are reducing. They are used appropriately, and the school reintegrates suspended pupils effectively.

There have been no permanent exclusions since the last inspection.

Most pupils come to school on time and they are punctual to lessons. Leaders and staff are working with pupils, families and outside agencies to further improve the attendance of those pupils who do not attend regularly.

The curriculum provides well for pupils' broader development. Staff help to enhance pupils' spiritual, moral and social awareness, and give them opportunities to develop strength of character. Pupils understand fundamental British values.

They learn how they can contribute positively to society, and strive to do so. Pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain.

All pupils receive high-quality careers guidance.

The school provides meaningful opportunities for pupils to encounter the world of work and prepares pupils for future success. Almost all pupils move on to college.

Leaders communicate an ambitious vision based on improvement.

They are committed to providing a high-quality education for all. The school has strong shared values and a positive and productive culture.

Staff feel that leaders listen to their concerns.

They appreciate the way leaders promote staff's well-being. Leaders engage with their staff well and take account of the main pressures on them. They manage staff's workload constructively.

Governance has improved since the time of the last inspection. Governors understand their role and carry out their duties effectively.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff receive regular and pertinent safeguarding training. They follow up potential concerns quickly and thoroughly. Staff involve outside agencies appropriately.

There is a culture of vigilance and support throughout the school.

Staff identify signs of concern and monitor pupils closely. They are aware of risks relevant to the school's cohort and the local area.

Leaders ensure that thorough checks are carried out on staff to ensure that they are suitable to work with children.

The curriculum supports pupils in keeping safe. Pupils learn about a range of issues, including positive relationships, internet safety and the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• Staff have not clearly identified the key knowledge that pupils should know in some subjects. This means that pupils do not develop their understanding as well as they could in some subjects. Leaders should ensure that pupils build their knowledge securely in all subject areas.

• Pupils' work in key stage 3 is not always of the highest quality. This means that they do not achieve as well as they could. Leaders should ensure that staff always have high expectations of what pupils can produce.

• Some pupils do not attend regularly. Consequently, pupils miss out on learning. Leaders should continue to work with pupils, families and outside agencies to improve attendance.