Pupils at Woodlands School achieve excellent standards and exhibit extremely high levels of wellbeing. Nearly all pupils gain GCSEs at grades A*-C, AS levels and A levels. This represents outstanding progress for pupils looked after by their local authorities. Pupils’ attitudes to learning are a notable strength of the school. The school offers a well-balanced curriculum and programme of academic, therapeutic and life skills, that provides exceptionally well for pupils to develop their skills, knowledge and independence. Across the school, teaching captures the interests of pupils and motivates them to learn. Rigorous assessment ensures that the school maintains up-to-date information on pupils’ progress and enables teachers to intervene with specialist advice and guidance wherever necessary. Highly effective liaison between school, therapy and care staff ensures that pupils receive the nurture, support and the understanding they need to progress positively from their earlier negative life experiences. Senior leaders communicate a coherent vision that drives a culture of high expectations. All staff share this across the school. The high level of commitment to improving the life chances of pupils on the part of all staff is a notable feature of the school’s work and enables nearly all pupils to make exemplary progress in their wellbeing and learning from their individual starting points. The school meets all of the Independent School Standards (Wales) Regulations 2003. Inspection area Judgement Standards Excellent Wellbeing and attitudes to learning Excellent Teaching and learning experiences Excellent Care, support and guidance Excellent Leadership and management Excellent 2 A report on Woodlands School April 2019 Compliance with the regulations for registration Independent school inspections are governed by the Education Act 2002 and related regulations: the Independent School Standards (Wales) Regulations 2003. These regulations require an independent school to meet an appropriate standard in the following areas: The quality of education provided by the school The school meets the regulatory requirements for this standard. The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils The school meets the regulatory requirements for this standard. Welfare, health and safety of pupils The school meets the regulatory requirements for this standard. The suitability of proprietors and staff The school meets the regulatory requirements for this standard. Premises of and boarding accommodation at schools The school meets the regulatory requirements for this standard. The provision of information The school meets the regulatory requirements for this standard. The manner in which complaints are to be handled The school meets the regulatory requirements for this standard