The Willows School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Outcome

The Willows School continues to be a good school. There is enough evidence of improved performance to suggest that the school could be judged outstanding if we were to carry out a section 5 inspection now. The school's next inspection will be a section 5 inspection.

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils thrive in this school. The enthusiasm displayed by pupils and staff is infectious. Pupils are extremely happy, feel safe and thoroughly enjoy their learning.

Pupils join The Willows School because of previous difficult school experiences. Many have had long periods away from school. Consequently, when they arrive, many display some challenging behaviours.

However, c...aring staff who know the pupils well mean that unwanted behaviour rarely affects anyone's learning. Pupils understand what bullying is and say that it rarely happens in their school. They say adults help to resolve issues if pupils fall out.

Pupils feel confident to share their worries with adults and know that the staff care about them.Pupils learn about fundamental British values. Staff respect their choices.

For example, when the school council identified a need to make the playground happier, an outside buddy sofa was set up.

Every school day ends with an uplifting singing assembly. Pupils go home with a feeling of belonging and self-worth.

When called, pupils leave the assembly for the walking bus. This provides opportunities for pupils to learn about independent travel on their journey home. It also ensures a calm end to the day.

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

The headteacher has an unwavering determination to provide the very best learning experiences for all pupils. This is shared by all leaders and staff, and accomplished with skill and passion. Leadership is inspiring, and highly motivating for staff and pupils.

There is a remarkable sense of teamwork among staff, in a supportive atmosphere.

Leaders and governors are highly ambitious for pupils. The aim is for each pupil to leave The Willows ready to thrive in secondary school.

The curriculum is tailored around each pupil's special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Leaders have identified the small steps of knowledge for pupils to learn. The curriculum introduces pupils to this knowledge in a logical way.

Pupils are helped to know and remember more because teachers make learning as practical as possible. For example, when learning about chocolate in science, pupils made their own chocolate from cocoa pods. Leaders have developed systems that closely check how well pupils are learning the curriculum.

Teachers have a detailed understanding of how each pupil is developing.Reading is a high priority. Pupils confidently apply their phonic knowledge when reading.

They are provided with books to read that match the sounds they are learning at school. Pupils develop a love of reading right from the start. Teachers' passion for reading has a very positive influence on pupils, who 'catch' their enthusiasm.

Pupils develop as confident, fluent readers of fiction, non-fiction and poetry. The reading curriculum has a very positive influence on the quality of pupils' writing.There is a consistent approach to teaching mathematics.

Pupils are confident and independent in selecting ways of working out calculations. They give clear explanations and reasons for their work. Teachers address misconceptions quickly.

They provide pupils with problems and challenges. Pupils use these tasks to show what they understand, can do and can apply to different situations.Pupils' personal development is carefully considered.

The curriculum helps pupils understand how to stay physically and emotionally safe, and the diverse society in which they live. They are genuinely interested in the views of others and talk about their feelings freely. Where pupils begin to struggle with their behaviour, staff get them back on track quickly and kindly, so there is no disruption to the learning of other pupils.

Staff are overwhelmingly positive about the school. They receive extensive professional development and are appreciative of this. They feel that they have the support of school leaders and that the school is well managed.

Relationships between staff members are strong, and they provide effective support for one another, particularly when dealing with challenging behaviour.

Parents and carers are full of praise for the school and its leadership. One parent expressed the view shared by many: 'This school and its staff are amazing.

They make us feel like one big family.'

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Leaders maintain a strong culture of safeguarding.

Governors prioritise safeguarding and ensure it is well resourced. Safeguarding is a high priority as a result. Staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities.

They receive regular training that underpins the school's safeguarding culture. Leaders ensure that safeguarding is a regular feature of staff briefings and newsletters.Staff develop very positive and trusting relationships with pupils based on mutual respect and understanding.

They work closely with parents and other professionals, including social care teams from eight London boroughs. This ensures that even the most vulnerable pupils and their families receive a coordinated package of support to help them keep safe.

Background

When we have judged a school to be good we will then normally go into the school about once every four years to confirm that the school remains good.

This is called a section 8 inspection of a good or outstanding school, because it is carried out under section 8 of the Education Act 2005. We do not give graded judgements on a section 8 inspection. However, if we find evidence that a school would now receive a higher or lower grade, then the next inspection will be a section 5 inspection.

Usually this is within one to two years of the date of the section 8 inspection. If we have serious concerns about safeguarding, behaviour or the quality of education, we will deem the section 8 inspection as a section 5 inspection immediately.

This is the first section 8 inspection since we judged the school to be good in September 2016.