Whitmore High praised by inspectors for its ALN provision
Whitmore High has been praised in an Estyn report into how schools are implementing provision for pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN).
Estyn carries out inspections and assessments of schools in Wales in an effort to maintain standards.In this case, a range of primary, secondary and all-age schools were visited to gain the most comprehensive picture.
Whitmore High received positive feedback in a variety of areas, including:
- Its strategies for teaching pupils with ALN.
- The creation of inclusive classrooms.
- The variety of ways in which staff interact with pupils, including the use of whiteboards and visual techniques.
- The school’s life skills programme
- Its outdoor learning area, which contains a cabin, polytunnel, raised flower beds and a potting shed.
Cllr Rhiannon Birch, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet member for Culture, Arts and the Welsh Language, said: “This is an excellent report which demonstrates that Whitmore High is leading the way among main steam schools when it comes to provision for pupils with Additional Learning Needs.
“It recognises the innovative approaches adopted at the school, including specialist teaching techniques and productive classrooms environments.
“The school combines academic studies with life skills and practical experiences that will be vital to pupils when they leave the Whitmore and enter the wider world.
“Congratulations to all involved for setting these standards and for the fantastic feedback contained in this assessment.”
The Estyn report read: “At Whitmore High School, all teachers prepare class rationale documents for each teaching group. These documents include information about all pupils’ current and expected attainment as well as providing adapted teaching strategies to support each pupil with ALN within each class. These strategies are drawn from a range of sources including pupils’ IDPs and one-page profiles. Class rationale documents are quality assured by leaders at the school to evaluate the planned strategies.”
Inspectors also noted that: “At Whitmore High School, mixed ability teaching is used across the school to foster an inclusive classroom environment where all pupils, regardless of their ability, can thrive. This approach promotes a diverse learning experience for all because it encourages pupils to learn from each other. This approach, combined with the Whitmore High School Teaching & Learning model, helps to address individual needs through questioning, modelling and scaffolding. Mixed ability teaching not only supports ALN pupils in the school with their academic attainment but also supports the development of social skills and empathy through collaboration.
”Another observation was that: “Leaders at Whitmore High School believe that giving immediate verbal feedback to pupils fosters a dynamic learning environment. Teaching staff often use visualisers and whiteboards which encourages participation and engagement. This approach helps personalise instruction from the teacher because they can tailor feedback to meet the individual needs of each pupil. The school has identified an increase in pupils’ confidence and motivation due to the timely recognition of pupils’ efforts and achievements.
”The role of staff was also recognised, with the report stating that they “have responded to the need for a life skills programme for their ALN pupils. The school ALNCo works with families and pupils to identify and address skills that pupils will need to live independently. The school recognises that these skills are as important as those skills traditionally learned in school. This ensures that pupils are progressing in every area of their life and allows them the best chance of achieving their life goals.”
Lastly, the report hailed the success of the school’s outdoor space, commenting that: “This work aims to support the engagement of all pupils acknowledging that some pupils need a bespoke and holistic approach. The area has a log cabin, polytunnel, raised beds and a potting shed. Pupils choose this pathway and follow the ‘Learning in the Outdoors’ qualification. The produce in the garden can be used within the school’s weekly bakery and other cookery sessions”