Oakwood School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. Senior leaders and governors have sustained outstanding teaching and achievement so that pupils receive an excellent education. The school has a vibrant, positive ethos, which encourages pupils' confidence very well and helps them to achieve outstandingly well.

An increasing number of pupils who enter the school have more complex learning needs, but nevertheless pupils typically make outstanding progress from exceptionally low starting points. The leadership and management of the school at all levels are outstanding. Senior leaders have an accurate view of the many strengths of the school but are not complacent.

They are constant...ly striving to further improve the school for the benefit of pupils. The school has the confidence of parents and carers, staff and the local authority. Teaching is outstanding; the use of a wide variety of creative techniques and resources gets the best out of pupils.

Best practice is well established in school. Sparkling displays of pupils' work throughout the school celebrate pupils' achievements and reflect the high expectations that permeate the school. Pupils behave extremely well; they enjoy learning and are keen to participate in activities which are fun, stimulating and improve their confidence in their personal, social and communication skills exceptionally well.

The school ensures that pupils are safe and this enables them to develop well as self- confident learners. Pupils feel safe and the bond between staff and pupils is excellent. Pupils enjoy being part of the school council and they have raised funds for local and national charities.

Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding. Community experiences, such as visiting local artists and musicians, enrich pupils' education and expose them to wider cultural influences.

Information about this school

Oakwood School educates pupils with severe, profound and multiple learning difficulties.

An increasing proportion of pupils have more complex learning needs, such as those with a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and profound and multiple learning difficulties. The majority of pupils are of White British heritage, and just under a third are from a mix of other ethnic backgrounds. The proportion of students for whom the school receives the pupil premium which is additional funding allocated by the government for certain groups of pupils, in this case, those who are known to be eligible for free school meals and who are looked after by the local authority, is well above average.