Oak Green School, located in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, underwent an inspection on February 21 and 22, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, alongside the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, leadership and management, and early years provision. The previous inspection in September 2017 had rated the school as good.
The school is characterized by a welcoming environment where inclusion is prioritized, particularly for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Staff demonstrate a strong commitment to the well-being of all pupils, starting from the youngest in the nursery. Enrichment activities, such as trips to the West End and various clubs, contribute to a vibrant school life. Pupils engage actively during playtime, participating in sports and other activities, which fosters a sense of community and enjoyment.
Despite these positive aspects, the school faces challenges in academic performance. There are significant gaps in pupils' knowledge and understanding, particularly in core subjects like English and mathematics. Attendance issues, especially among disadvantaged pupils, further hinder educational preparedness. The leadership team, which has seen changes since the last inspection, acknowledges the need for improvement and has set academic priorities. However, these priorities have not effectively addressed the existing weaknesses in the school’s performance.
The curriculum has been revisited to enhance ambition across subjects, but effective planning is still lacking. For instance, while there have been improvements in mathematics for Year 6, the updated curriculum has not yet been implemented throughout the school. In English, the sequencing of knowledge is not coherent, which affects pupils' ability to learn effectively. Recent training in phonics has begun to show positive results, but many pupils struggle to keep pace with the learning expectations.
Behavioral issues also persist, with some pupils disrupting lessons, indicating that the behavior culture is not consistently upheld across the school. Staff sometimes take time to address rule violations, which can impact the learning environment. The school’s provision for pupils with SEND is commendable, allowing these students to access the same curriculum as their peers, but there is a need for improved assessment practices in early years to better identify and meet children's needs.
Leaders are actively working to tackle attendance issues, emphasizing the importance of regular school attendance to parents. Pupils demonstrate tolerance and a commitment to community service, showing an understanding of social responsibility. However, governors need to enhance their scrutiny of the school’s educational standards and the effectiveness of leadership.
The safeguarding arrangements at Oak Green School are effective, with staff trained to recognize signs of harm and to take appropriate action. The curriculum includes teaching on safety, both in person and online, ensuring that pupils are aware of risks and how to report concerns.
To improve, the school must clearly identify and logically sequence the knowledge that pupils need to learn, particularly in English. There is a need for stronger pedagogical knowledge among teachers to ensure that the curriculum is implemented effectively. Consistent expectations for pupil behavior must be established and upheld to minimize disruptions. Additionally, leaders and governors should develop a more accurate understanding of the school’s strengths and weaknesses to sharpen improvement priorities and enhance educational outcomes for all pupils.
