Five Acre Wood School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

An ethos of 'one wood, many trees' underpins the inclusive practice that sees pupils receive a rich and fulfilling education at Five Acre Wood. Many pupils have complex medical and educational needs. They each learn a curriculum tailored to meet their needs and aspirations, following one of the various learning approaches that the school offers.

An unrelenting culture of ambition underpins them all.

Planning for the future starts as soon as children join the school in Nursery. Throughout their education, pupils learn very well.

They learn to communicate and interact with people and the world around them. When ready, pupils receive thoughtful support to move o...n to further education and employment. This school is focused on giving pupils the very best start in life.

Pupils are supported by staff who understand the various ways in which pupils communicate. If pupils struggle to manage their feelings, they receive effective support to refocus and settle. Pupils behave well because they know exactly what is expected of them.

School routines are clear and consistent, meaning classrooms are calm and orderly places where pupils can learn. Staff praise pupils for their hard work and when they meet their personal achievements. Pupils learn to be proud of themselves and consistently strive to achieve their very best.

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

The number of pupils joining this unique school has increased significantly in the past three years. Leaders have responded very well to ensure pupils continue to receive a high quality of education and care. High-quality leadership on each of the five school sites ensures that pupils' best interests are prioritised.

Leaders continually seek meaningful opportunities to engage with parents and carers to ensure they feel fully involved in their child's education. Staff joining the school receive thorough training to ensure they know how to meet the needs of pupils. This is enhanced by further guidance and support from an extensive team of specialist medical and therapy staff.

When children first join the school, staff work closely with parents and professionals. The specific support each pupil requires is swiftly identified. Expert teachers and specialist staff use their collective experience to design a curriculum that helps children to thrive.

In early years, children are exposed to learning that helps them to make sense of the world around them. Staff help children to communicate using a range of images, symbols and signs. Children settle quickly into school life as their needs are fully understood and met.

A relentless focus on developing pupils' communication skills weaves through each of the six curriculum pathways. When it is appropriate, staff support pupils to read following a phonics approach. These pupils receive expert teaching that enables them to read with increasing fluency and confidence.

Across the school, pupils enjoy a rich range of stories, songs and rhymes, providing further opportunity to practise Makaton and body signing.

The school is highly aspirational for each and every pupil. A meticulously designed curriculum sets out the knowledge and skills that pupils need to be ready for the next stage of education.

Outcomes from pupils' education, health and care (EHC) plans are carefully broken down into smaller targets. Teachers skilfully plan learning that enables pupils to achieve these targets while acquiring new knowledge and skills. Staff regularly check that pupils are achieving all that they can.

They adapt approaches to help pupils practise important skills. Consequently, pupils achieve very well.

All pupils are treated with utmost dignity and respect.

A designated team works with families to provide highly effective support that helps pupils regularly attend school. Staff receive expert guidance so they can support pupils' therapeutic needs. When needed, pupils receive swift and effective support to help to manage their emotions.

In-school plans clearly identify the precise strategies staff follow to help pupils feel calm. Therapeutic support is effective in reducing pupils' worries to help them learn and flourish.

Careers education is thoughtfully designed to raise pupils' aspirations for the future.

It starts with younger pupils learning to take responsibility for themselves and others. This includes looking after the animals in the school farm. A new on-site school café has been established giving older pupils employable skills, while they serve younger pupils who practise ordering food.

Careers education is particularly impactful for those students on post-16 pathways. Pupils study an extensive range of suitable accreditations, such as functional English and mathematics and vocational courses. This is further enhanced by students attending meaningful work experience and charity work, such as working in a local farm.

Partnerships with local colleges and specialist placements are strong. Staff help students and their families make suitable ambitious plans when they are ready to leave school.

The school goes above and beyond to provide for pupils' personal development.

Particular attention goes into ensuring disadvantaged pupils benefit from the opportunities on offer. Pupils learn essential life skills, such as learning to swim in the school pool or using public transport through role play on the school bus. Particular attention is given to develop pupils' musical and artistic talents.

Pupils host their own 'Woodstock Festival', art shows and release their own music singles at Christmas time. Every aspect of pupils' wider development is exceptionally well planned and delivered.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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