Oswaldtwistle St Andrew’s Church of England Primary School has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 6 and 7, 2021. The pupils at this school exhibit a strong sense of pride in their institution, enjoying the well-equipped outdoor areas, including a new outdoor gym that promotes fitness and health. The leadership team is dedicated to ensuring that all students strive for their best, and the curriculum is designed to be engaging and informative, allowing pupils to retain essential knowledge across various subjects. This commitment extends to students with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they also benefit from the learning environment.
New students are welcomed warmly, fostering quick friendships and a sense of belonging. The school promotes a culture of respect, where differences are acknowledged and valued. Pupils feel safe and cared for, embodying the school’s motto of respect, achievement, and fun in their daily activities. The behavior of pupils is commendable, with a clear understanding of the behavior policy, which is perceived as fair. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they occur, pupils trust that staff will address them effectively.
Pupils take their leadership roles seriously, such as caring for the school’s racing pigeons, including a royal pigeon gifted by the Queen. The school excels in ensuring that all pupils, including those with SEND, learn effectively. Leaders have established clear expectations for the knowledge pupils should acquire, and the curriculum is structured to build on this knowledge logically from Year 1 to Year 6. However, while mathematics learning steps are well-defined, other subjects require further development in this area.
Teachers regularly assess pupils’ understanding during lessons and provide additional support as needed. However, the leaders’ checks on how well pupils retain knowledge over time are not fully established, which limits their understanding of overall learning progress in some subjects. The school ensures that pupils with SEND receive a broad and balanced curriculum, collaborating with professionals to meet their needs, including emotional support.
Reading is prioritized within the curriculum, with teachers sharing a diverse range of books and stories. The school promotes a love for reading, exemplified by the unique double-decker reading bus that allows pupils to enjoy books with their parents. Phonics instruction begins in the Reception Year, with regular assessments to ensure pupils keep pace with their learning. Despite this, some staff lack recent training in phonics, which can hinder the progress of pupils who struggle with reading.
Pupils benefit from various enriching trips and visits that enhance their learning experiences. They engage with their local community and learn about different cultures and faiths. The school fosters a polite and friendly atmosphere, with pupils interacting positively during play and lessons. Governors actively monitor pupil progress and support school leaders in making informed decisions.
Staff express satisfaction with their work environment, feeling supported by leadership and appreciating efforts to maintain a manageable workload. The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff receiving regular training to identify signs of abuse and neglect. Leaders collaborate with parents and agencies to protect vulnerable pupils, ensuring they receive necessary support.
While the school demonstrates many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Subject leaders need to enhance their understanding of how learning progresses from early years to Year 1 and beyond. Additionally, the assessment systems in some subjects require refinement to provide accurate insights into pupil learning. Ensuring all staff involved in phonics instruction receive adequate training is essential for supporting pupils who find reading challenging. Overall, Oswaldtwistle St Andrew’s Church of England Primary School continues to provide a positive educational experience for its pupils.
