Woodlands School is an outstanding special school for very special children. We take children aged 2 to19 who have a range of difficulties including severe learning needs, complex disabilities and Autistic Spectrum Disorders. 

Woodlands School is surrounded by extensive grounds amidst Surrey woodland and is located within easy reach of the town, railway station and M25. We have a hydrotherapy pool which is used by all classes and 4 minibuses which are used to transport students to various activities. 

At Woodlands we truly believe that ‘Together Everyone Achieves’ and we invest in our staff to ensure that they are well trained and supported to carry out their roles effectively. This begins with a comprehensive induction programme followed by more role specific training as appropriate. We have a strong track record of supporting staff through their career progression from special needs classroom assistants through to teaching, nursing and educational psychology. 

Woodlands School places the utmost importance on personalising the curriculum to ensure that all our students are treated as individuals and can make the best progress possible. Our goal is that when our students leave us they are fully prepared to take their next steps as independently and successfully as possible. We are a school that uses a total communication approach with a strong culture of communication for all. 

Our school is organised into two departments, the Lower School including Reception and Foundation Stage and the Upper School including Key Stage 5. This enables us to ensure that learning and opportunities are age appropriate. The curriculum offered is varied and includes residentials; courses at the local college and within the local community. In addition, we offer after school clubs and enhance our offering to students by participating in the special schools ski trip, prom and sports events. 

We have a strong track record of collaboration and have a multi professional team approach and work in partnership with Central Surrey Health who provide nursing, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. In addition we play an active role in Surrey’s SLD, PMLD, ASD Network (SPAN) which facilitates training, professional debate and opportunities for support. 

Woodlands School is a Surrey County Council Special School for very special children. We take children aged 2 to19 who have a range of difficulties including severe learning needs, complex disabilities and Autistic Spectrum Disorders. 

Every child at Woodlands comes with unique and often highly complex individual needs. That's why we provide each one with the care, guidance and support they need to concentrate on learning and enjoying school life to the full. 

We've work with a wide range of professional staff who work collaboratively to provide an integrated service. We have access to nursing, Physiotherapy, Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy through Central Surrey Health. These professionals have a comprehensive knowledge of each child and work effectively with Woodlands staff as a team to provide for the needs of each child. Thus, ‘Together Everyone Achieves’ 

Woodlands was judged an outstanding school in May 2014 : 

‘Improvement in the use of communication aids has resulted in all pupils having a means to make choices and have a voice.’ 

‘Pupils' behaviour is exceptional in and around the school. High quality individual support ensures that all pupils are extremely well supported. Pupils feel safe at school.’ 

‘Parents are overwhelmingly supportive of the school and very pleased with their children's education.’ 

‘The exceptionally wide range of rich learning opportunities, subjects and topics engage pupils extremely well, and contributes to their strong spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.’  

‘Training for all staff is thorough, and close links with local and other special schools have forged very effective partnerships.’ 

At Woodlands we believe “Together Everyone Achieves”.

We have high expectations for our pupils and are committed to collaborative working in order to achieve the best possible outcomes and to maximise their opportunities. We believe that education for our pupils is about preparation for life and feel very privileged to be able to support them to realise their potential. 

We believe that children who enjoy their education will engage with learning. Every child at Woodlands is unique and through the use of personalised programmes and with the right interventions and support, all young people can achieve.

In order to achieve this vision we value all our staff as we understand that they are key in being able to facilitate the educational outcomes for our pupils. We place a large emphasis on ensuring that staff have the appropriate training to carry out their roles and we handpick our team members for their personal attributes. 

As a school we have a track record of providing continuous professional development to our employees as they progress through their careers. This support is provided to all staff from the premises team to the teaching staff. 

We have successfully supported Apprentices to complete their Level 3 qualifications and take on classroom support roles. In addition, we have supported classroom support staff to become Higher Level Teaching Assistants and subsequently move into a career in teaching. We have also supported teachers into taking positons of responsibility such as TLRs and moving into Assistant Head posts.

At Woodlands all employees:-

• Have a comprehensive induction and training programme
• Are employed on Surrey terms and conditions or the Standard Teachers’ Terms and Conditions
• Are entitled to join the contributory Local Government Pension Scheme or Teachers’ Pension Scheme depending upon their role
• Have access to an Occupational Health Service
• Have access to an employee benefits scheme which includes discounted shopping and salary sacrifice schemes
• Have access to an Employee Assistance Programme which can provide advice on various matters including finance and can also offer counselling services

If you would like further information on joining our hardworking, friendly and fun team providing outstanding teaching and learning for our very special pupils please contact Nicola Sutehall on 01372 377922 or email via admin@woodlands.surrey.sch.uk