Five Acres Primary School, located in Ambrosden, Bicester, Oxfordshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 29 and 30, 2022. The school fosters a welcoming and supportive community where pupils thrive and enjoy a variety of activities, including sports, singing, art, and educational trips. Leaders at the school maintain high expectations for all students, working diligently to help them reach their full potential. Pupils are encouraged to develop into responsible and considerate citizens, demonstrating care for their environment and each other. The school promotes inclusivity, and students are eager to learn about diverse experiences, including those of forces families and peers who have lived abroad.
Behavior among pupils is commendable, creating a positive atmosphere conducive to learning. Classrooms are described as happy places where students can focus on their studies. For those requiring additional support, the school provides necessary assistance to help manage their emotions. Incidents of unkind behavior, including bullying, are taken seriously, with leaders acting promptly to address and resolve any issues.
The curriculum at Five Acres is broad, offering memorable experiences and engaging lessons. However, some subjects require further development to ensure that pupils build their knowledge and skills effectively. Leaders have identified the essential knowledge and skills for pupils to learn, particularly in subjects like mathematics and computing, where the curriculum is logically structured. Teachers exhibit strong subject knowledge and present new concepts clearly, ensuring that students revisit prior learning to reinforce their understanding. Despite these strengths, the careful sequencing of the curriculum is not consistent across all subjects, and leaders are actively working to address this.
Reading is a significant focus at Five Acres, with staff demonstrating a passion for literature that inspires pupils. The reading curriculum is well-structured, promoting comprehension and encouraging thoughtful discussions about texts. However, there are challenges in matching reading materials to pupils' phonics knowledge, which can hinder some students' progress in reading fluency. Leaders are committed to supporting older pupils who struggle with reading and regularly assess their learning to adapt the curriculum as needed.
Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning, contributing to an environment where education occurs without disruption. The school has effective procedures in place to identify and support students with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they can learn alongside their peers. Personal development is a strength of the school, with pupils demonstrating a good understanding of British values and respect for diversity.
Governors provide valuable support to school leaders, demonstrating a commitment to the school's values. Staff appreciate the attention given to managing their workload and well-being. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with leaders and staff prioritizing pupil safety and ensuring that concerns are addressed promptly. The school maintains thorough safeguarding records and fosters strong communication among staff.
To improve, the school should ensure that reading materials are closely aligned with pupils' phonics knowledge to enhance reading fluency. Additionally, the curriculum in some subjects needs to be more detailed to help teachers plan coherent lessons that build on prior learning. By addressing these areas, Five Acres Primary School can continue to enhance its educational offerings and support the development of all its pupils.
