All Saints Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School in Great Oakley has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 19 October 2023. The school is characterized by a warm and welcoming environment where pupils feel valued and part of a close-knit community. Students express that everyone is made to feel welcome, contributing to a sense of safety and happiness. The school fosters a family-like atmosphere, ensuring that pupils know there is always someone available to help them with any concerns.
The curriculum at All Saints is ambitious and broad, with high expectations set for what pupils will learn. This includes a focus on pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed. Staff maintain clear and consistent routines, which helps promote good behavior among pupils. During break and lunchtime, the behavior of students is often exemplary, reflecting the school's commitment to kindness, tolerance, and respect.
The school provides various opportunities for pupils to develop essential knowledge and skills, preparing them to understand themselves and the wider world. This includes a range of extracurricular activities such as gardening clubs, STEM initiatives, and various sports. Reading is a central focus of the curriculum, with high-quality texts used to enhance learning. Pupils, including those in Reception, have regular opportunities to read and enjoy books, and early reading is taught effectively across the school. Staff are well-trained in teaching reading, which helps pupils build strong phonics knowledge and become proficient readers.
Teachers at All Saints demonstrate strong subject knowledge and utilize a variety of strategies to check pupils' understanding. They typically select appropriate activities that align closely with the curriculum's knowledge objectives. However, there are instances where some activities lack purpose and do not connect well with prior learning, which can hinder pupils' ability to make meaningful connections.
The school has effective processes in place to identify the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. These pupils receive appropriate support to help them learn the curriculum successfully. The school emphasizes the importance of developing a strong sense of right and wrong among pupils, starting from their entry into Reception. When conflicts arise, pupils are guided to resolve their differences amicably. In lessons, pupils generally behave well due to the high expectations set by teachers and the clear routines established.
All Saints also prioritizes the wider development of its pupils. The school's ethos is reflected in assemblies and various enrichment opportunities. Pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles, such as monitors and ambassadors, and participate in a well-structured program for personal, social, health, and economic education. The school offers diverse experiences, including trips to museums and local theaters, to help pupils explore new interests.
Staff well-being is also a priority at All Saints, with staff feeling valued and their contributions recognized. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
While the school excels in many areas, there are some aspects that require improvement. In a few subjects, leaders have not clearly identified the most important knowledge that pupils should learn, which can lead to gaps in understanding. The school is encouraged to ensure that curriculum plans explicitly outline the essential knowledge for pupils to acquire.
Overall, All Saints Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School continues to provide a good education, fostering a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils. The school is committed to maintaining high standards and addressing areas for improvement to enhance the educational experience for all students.
