Oakwood Primary Academy, located in Eastbourne, East Sussex, underwent an inspection on 11 and 12 October 2022, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection, which rated the school as inadequate. The inspection highlighted the high expectations set by leaders and staff, fostering a culture of kindness, compassion, and consideration among pupils. The school environment is described as friendly and welcoming, with pupils actively participating in initiatives such as planting sunflowers and growing vegetables, which they later cook into meals. Parents have expressed their satisfaction, with one describing the school as an amazing place where children thrive and are happy.
Pupils at Oakwood Primary Academy are encouraged to prioritize their health and well-being. They engage with a therapy dog named Kiara and participate in mindfulness and yoga sessions. The school provides opportunities for quiet reflection through a 'time out pass' system. Playtimes are characterized by cheerfulness and sociability, with pupils enjoying various activities and feeling safe in their environment. The school has a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying, and pupils trust staff to address any issues promptly.
The school promotes personal development through various roles such as school ambassadors and council members, allowing pupils to organize events and showcase their talents. Leaders have a clear vision for the school, emphasizing confidence, courage, and perseverance. The headteacher, along with the interim executive board, has worked diligently to ensure that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive a good quality of education. The school is noted for its rigorous oversight and a positive team spirit among staff.
The curriculum at Oakwood Primary Academy is innovative and well-structured, with leaders ensuring that essential knowledge is organized effectively across subjects. Staff training is effective, enabling teachers to support pupils, particularly those with special educational needs. However, some areas in early years provision require improvement, as staff occasionally do not adequately support children in developing their ideas and vocabulary. Leaders are addressing this issue.
Reading is prioritized, with well-trained staff identifying pupils who need additional support. The school ensures that reading materials are matched to pupils' knowledge, fostering a love for reading. Pupils express excitement about the diverse range of books available and enjoy visiting the school library. Classrooms are lively, with pupils actively engaged in discussions. Attendance is generally high, although some pupils do not attend as regularly as they should, prompting leaders to implement measures to improve attendance rates.
The school also emphasizes the importance of personal development, offering a variety of clubs, trips, and visits. Pupils learn about different careers and value diversity, treating everyone equally regardless of background. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize signs of risk and work collaboratively with external agencies to support vulnerable pupils.
To further improve, leaders need to enhance staff training in early years provision to ensure children develop essential vocabulary and ideas. Additionally, they must ensure that the revised curriculum in foundation subjects is fully embedded and effective. Despite efforts to improve attendance, persistent absenteeism remains an issue that leaders need to address. Overall, Oakwood Primary Academy demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational experience for all its pupils.
