Welcome to Woodlands School

Woodlands School is a school for pupils from 2-19 who need the support of a specialised curriculum to enable them to reach their full potential. All of our pupils have either an EHCP, statement of special educational needs or are in the Early Years and currently under assessment.  The pupils have either severe learning difficulties, very complex needs or autism.  We have a highly skilled and dedicated group of staff who support the pupils to develop holistically in all areas.   We have high aspirations for our pupils and believe that with the best teaching, we can support them to achieve.

We believe that education for our pupils is about preparation for life.  Communication and literacy are very high priority for all pupils along with a broad and balanced curriculum, including learning to be independent, accessing the community and learning about the world we live in. We know that pupils learn best when they are having fun. Our teachers and support staff are strong advocates for everyone they work with and make sure they find the right way of engaging each individual child or young person in the activities and lessons on offer.

Staff and parent training is a high priority and we pride ourselves on keeping up to date with the latest thinking in education for pupils with complex learning needs. We have a multi-disciplinary team at the school, which consists of teaching and educational staff, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, nursing staff and a music therapist. We have regular support from Surrey's Physical and Sensory Support services, with specialist teachers who give us input for pupils who have visual and hearing difficulties and those who require specialist equipment to develop their alternative communication use.

In March 2018 Ofsted found that the school continues to be Outstanding and stated:

• That we: "...rightly believe that communication is the key to the development of every aspect of pupils’ progress To this end, you have ensured that all pupils have access to a robust communication system".

• "Parents are proud of their children’s progress with their communication and say that the school has given their children a voice".

• "Excellent relationships between staff and pupils were evident during this inspection, and staff are relentless in their efforts to encourage pupils to be as independent as possible."

• "Preparing pupils for the next steps in their education is a very strong feature throughout the school."

We believe that with the right interventions and support all young people can overcome barriers to learning and fulfil their potential through personalised learning.

We believe that communication is the key to independence, learning and developing relationships for all of our children and we are a 'communication accessible school' where all pupils are given the very best opportunity to learn to communicate autonomously using a range of communication systems appropriate for the needs of individual pupils.  All pupils are immersed in Aided Language Stimulation throughout the school, where staff talk to the pupils using their alternative communication systems (symbol books, high tech devices etc).  We are active participants in international research in communication development and staff members give and attend regular training on alternative communication methods.

If you would like to know more about us, please make an appointment to visit via the school office. We look forward to welcoming you to Woodlands School and to showing you around, introducing you to our exceptional staff and pupils, and giving you the opportunity to appreciate our wonderful grounds and facilities.  

If you would like a paper copy of any information available on this website, please contact the school office.  

Rosie Clark & Sarah Smith

Co Headteachers