Woodley School and College

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Leaders are ambitious for the school and have a clear vision, which staff share.

Their effective leadership has led to improvements in the quality of teaching and pupils' outcomes. Staff understand pupils' needs. Teachers' planning of learning is well matched to the different abilities and interests of pupils and therefore most pupils make good progress.

Where appropriate, teachers teach pupils how to use alternative methods of communication, such as pictures and symbols. This enables all pupils to take part in lessons. The curriculum design ensures that pupils prepare well for their next steps in education and employment.

Work e...xperience is a strength of the curriculum and develops pupils' high aspirations. The 16 to 19 study programmes are highly individualised. They are effective in enabling pupils to develop independence and a strong work ethic.

Pupils learn strategies that help them to manage their own behaviour and become less reliant on adults. Pupils show respect for each other and their environment. They feel safe and enjoy coming to school.

Senior leaders, including governors, have an accurate view of the school's strengths and weaknesses. However, some targets set in the school's development plans are not precise and measurable. Occasionally, this makes it more difficult for governors to check on the work of leaders.

The teaching of reading and phonics is strong and, as a result, pupils make good progress from low starting points. Although progress in writing is good, pupils do not have sufficient opportunities to practise their writing skills across the full curriculum. Most staff provide appropriate support, which helps pupils to learn well.

Some staff do not use questioning consistently well in order to more quickly extend or deepen pupils' understanding.

Information about this school

The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website. This school has been designated for pupils who have autistic spectrum disorder.

All pupils have an education, health and care plan. Since the last inspection, the school has extended the age range of pupils and now includes provision for 16–19 programmes of study, which opened in September 2016. The school was previously known as Longley School.

The school does not use any alternative provision. The school works closely with Kirklees Learning Partner. There are nearly four times as many boys as girls in the school.