Oasis Academy Hadley, located in Enfield, Middlesex, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 14 and 15, 2021. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils express enjoyment in attending daily, with many stating that it is preferable to the outside world. Students feel safe and well-supported, receiving encouragement from teachers who challenge them to excel. The relationships between pupils and staff are strong, contributing to a sense of community and support. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, they are addressed seriously by the staff.
Pupil behavior is commendable, with students moving through the school in a calm and purposeful manner. The low incidence of disruption allows for effective concentration during lessons. Teachers employ engaging and interactive methods to facilitate learning, often revisiting prior knowledge to reinforce retention. The school is actively reinstating a variety of trips and enrichment activities that were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that pupils have access to educational experiences outside the classroom.
The curriculum at Oasis Academy Hadley is ambitious and well-structured, spanning from early years through to the sixth form. This comprehensive approach is particularly effective in subjects like English, where staff collaborate to ensure continuity in learning. For example, pupils begin writing diary entries in Year 1, progressively building their skills each year. The mathematics curriculum is similarly well-planned, breaking down complex concepts into manageable steps for pupils to master before advancing.
While the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement, particularly in the primary phase regarding history and geography. Some teaching methods in these subjects do not build knowledge as systematically as in others. Leaders are aware of this and are working to refine the curriculum to ensure that knowledge is sequenced effectively.
The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have access to the same curriculum as their peers. Teachers provide tailored support to help these pupils understand their learning, and staff regularly monitor their progress. In the early years, the phonics program is well-structured, with additional support in place for those who fell behind during the pandemic.
Reading abilities are assessed promptly for new pupils entering Year 7, with weaker readers receiving extra assistance to build their confidence and skills. The school is focused on addressing any gaps in phonics knowledge to enhance reading fluency.
Beyond academics, the school emphasizes the development of pupils' personal skills. Leaders plan activities that encourage discussions on important topics such as human rights and relationships education. Sixth-form students receive valuable support for work experience placements and university applications.
Staff at Oasis Academy Hadley report positively on the support they receive from leaders in managing their workload. Professional development opportunities are available, both within the school and through the multi-academy trust, fostering a collaborative environment among teachers.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with pupils feeling secure and knowing they have trusted adults to turn to with concerns. Staff are trained to recognize and report safeguarding issues promptly, ensuring a safe environment for all students.
In summary, Oasis Academy Hadley is a good school that provides a supportive and engaging learning environment. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in the primary curriculum, the school demonstrates a strong commitment to the academic and personal development of its pupils.
