Setting

Aviation House 125 Kingsway London WC2B 6SE T 0300 123 1231 F 020 7421 6855 enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Mr A Smith Headteacher Rodborough School Rake lane Milford Surrey GU8 5BZ

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alternative provision

Thank you for your hospitality and cooperation, and that of your staff and students, during my visit on 31 January and 1 February 2013 to look at the school’s use of alternative provision.

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alternative provision

During the visit I met with you and members of the leadership team. I met with students individually and in groups, and examined a range of documents and students’ files. I also visited the following providers that your students attend:

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alternative provision

 The Wey Centre (STAR provision)  Skillway  GASP Motor project  Godalming College

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alternative provision

The visit provided valuable information which will contribute to our national evaluation and reporting. Published reports are likely to list the names of the contributing institutions but individual institutions will not be identified in the main text without their consent.

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alternative provision

This letter briefly summarises our discussion at the end of the visit.

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Strengths of this aspect of the school’s work

 The school works closely with a broad range of different providers to ensure that the personal and learning needs, interests and aspirations of each student are met. There are excellent procedures for selecting, commissioning and assuring the quality of suitable alternative provision.  The school is supported very effectively by the Waverley Federation which commissions alternative placements. The local authority also contributes to commissioning and supports the school in judging the quality of placements.

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Strengths of this aspect of the school’s work

 Rodborough staff ensure that all providers meet requirements for the safety and well-being of students. Staff from the school visit each site regularly to ensure that due consideration is given to students’ safety and the suitability of accommodation and resources. Some of the provision is at some distance from the school and the school has sensible arrangements to help students travel to and from their placements.

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Strengths of this aspect of the school’s work

 Comprehensive referral forms provided by the school and application forms, completed by students and their parents, ensure that providers are well informed about the individual needs of each student. For a few students with specific behavioural, emotional or learning needs, the school works closely with the providers to ensure that these students get the help and support that they need.

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Strengths of this aspect of the school’s work

 Individual students are supported very well by the school’s Increased Flexibility Co-ordinator and other staff who visit them in their placements. Communication between the school and providers is excellent. Students and providers say they can contact an identified person in the school with any issues and that school staff respond quickly and appropriately to any enquiries.

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Strengths of this aspect of the school’s work

 Priority is given to scheduling off-site provision so that students do not miss any key subjects. Consequently, students have a balanced curriculum that includes English and mathematics. All students reach appropriate standards in English and mathematics. In 2012 an above average proportion of Rodborough students achieved both GCSE English and mathematics at grade C or above.

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Strengths of this aspect of the school’s work

 All alternative provision in Key Stage 4 leads to some form of nationally recognised accreditation. There are clear pathways for students to follow and many elect to continue their chosen subjects to a higher level after Year 11. Around three quarters of Rodborough students go on to continue their studies at Godalming College.

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Strengths of this aspect of the school’s work

 The school and the Waverley Federation monitor and judge the effectiveness of the provision rigorously and systematically. This ensures that students make good or better progress on their various courses and attend regularly. The providers use an internet based attendance recording system so the school can see if students are present at their placements. Providers are required to give the school a written progress report on each student at suitable intervals throughout the year.

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Strengths of this aspect of the school’s work

 Students value the alternative provision. They enjoy the opportunity to take responsibility, meet different people and develop practical skills that will be useful in later life. Students say they are prepared well for their placements and they understand how they should conduct themselves when working off-site.

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