Owlsmoor Primary School, located in Sandhurst, Berkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 7 and 8, 2023. The school is characterized by a nurturing and caring environment, which is highly valued by parents and the community. The leadership team emphasizes a vision where every individual matters, fostering a sense of belonging among students and staff. Pupils feel safe, happy, and well-supported, which contributes to their overall well-being and academic success. The commitment of leaders to ensure that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, achieve their best is evident throughout the school.
The school has established a positive atmosphere where high expectations for behavior are maintained. Pupils demonstrate politeness and respect towards one another and adults, contributing to a calm and focused learning environment. The school actively promotes kindness and has effective systems in place to address any incidents of bullying, ensuring that pupils can learn and play without fear. The diverse range of themed days and events, such as science week and healthy mind day, enhances the educational experience and engages pupils in their learning.
The curriculum at Owlsmoor Primary School is broad and balanced, with leaders striving for high standards across all subjects. In the most effective areas, the curriculum is well-defined, allowing teachers to deliver lessons that build on prior knowledge and help pupils retain what they learn. Teachers are skilled at adapting their teaching to meet the diverse needs of their students, ensuring that all pupils receive the support they require. The school has a strong emphasis on reading, with phonics instruction starting in Reception. Pupils are encouraged to develop a love for reading, and the school library has been recently refurbished to provide a wide selection of texts.
While the school excels in many areas, there are some inconsistencies in the sequencing of the curriculum in certain subjects. Leaders are aware of these gaps and are actively working to refine the curriculum to ensure that all subjects are aligned with the knowledge and skills pupils need to succeed. Additionally, there are some challenges in the teaching of reading for older pupils, and further training for staff is being implemented to address these issues.
The headteacher prioritizes staff well-being, ensuring that workloads are manageable, which contributes to high staff morale. The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, with all staff trained to recognize and respond to concerns about pupil safety. Leaders act swiftly to provide support to pupils and their families when needed, and record-keeping is thorough.
Overall, Owlsmoor Primary School continues to provide a good education for its pupils, with a strong focus on personal development and academic achievement. The school community is proud of its achievements and is committed to continuous improvement, ensuring that all pupils are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need for future success. The leadership team is dedicated to refining the curriculum and enhancing teaching practices to further elevate the quality of education provided.
