The Oaks Primary School in Bolton, Lancashire, was inspected on December 5 and 6, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Good. The school has maintained a strong reputation since its last inspection, which occurred 13 years ago when it was rated Outstanding. The current inspection reflects the school's commitment to providing a high-quality education, despite the changes in the inspection framework and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pupils at The Oaks describe the school as a family-like environment where they feel safe, happy, and well cared for. The school has high expectations for student learning, and pupils excel in reading, writing, and mathematics. While there are some areas in the curriculum where standards are not as high, most pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, achieve well across a broad range of subjects. The school fosters a positive learning atmosphere where pupils are engaged and motivated, participating enthusiastically in lessons and taking pride in their achievements.
The curriculum is designed to be broad and balanced, with clear guidance provided to staff on how to deliver content effectively. This structured approach allows pupils to build their knowledge progressively. However, in a small number of subjects, the school has not clearly defined its expectations, which has led to gaps in the knowledge that pupils acquire. The school recognizes the need to improve in these areas to ensure that all pupils receive a comprehensive education.
The school has established effective systems for monitoring and evaluating curriculum delivery, although there are instances where these systems could be utilized more effectively. This has resulted in some important issues not being identified or addressed promptly, which can hinder pupil achievement in certain subjects. The school is committed to enhancing its evaluation processes to ensure that all areas of the curriculum are delivered to a high standard.
Assessment strategies are robust, allowing staff to monitor pupil progress effectively and provide necessary support to address misconceptions. The school has a proactive approach to identifying pupils who may have special educational needs, ensuring timely support is provided in collaboration with external agencies. The emphasis on reading is evident, with pupils encouraged to develop a love for books and reading from an early age. Phonics instruction is prioritized, and most pupils meet the expected standards in early reading assessments.
Pupils demonstrate good behavior and a strong sense of responsibility, participating in various roles within the school community. They engage in extracurricular activities, which contribute to their personal development. The school has recently implemented a new personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum that promotes understanding of British values and encourages respect for diversity.
Staff members feel supported by school leaders, who have taken steps to manage workload effectively. The governing body is actively involved in overseeing the school's operations and ensuring compliance with statutory duties. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, creating a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve further, the school needs to clarify its expectations for the delivery of certain subjects and enhance its evaluation processes to ensure that all pupils achieve their full potential. By addressing these areas, The Oaks Primary School can continue to build on its strengths and provide an excellent educational experience for its pupils.
