Offa’s Mead Academy is a welcoming and inclusive primary school located in Sedbury, Gloucestershire. The school has undergone significant improvements since its previous inspection, where it was rated inadequate. The recent inspection in October 2022 resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good across various aspects, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. However, early years provision was noted as requiring improvement.
The school’s mission is to enable pupils to lead remarkable lives, and this ethos is evident in the high expectations set by the leadership team. Pupils feel safe and valued, forming strong relationships with staff and peers. The school community is characterized by respect and positive behavior, with low levels of disruption in lessons. Pupils are aware of what constitutes bullying and express confidence that any incidents would be addressed promptly by staff.
The curriculum is designed to promote tolerance and respect, allowing pupils to learn about individuality and acceptance. Reading is prioritized, with phonics instruction starting as soon as children enter the school. Staff receive regular training to enhance their phonics teaching skills, and effective strategies are in place to support pupils who may struggle. The school has invested in high-quality texts to enrich the curriculum and enhance vocabulary development across subjects. However, there are concerns regarding the early years curriculum, which does not provide enough opportunities for children to practice and apply their knowledge, potentially hindering their readiness for Year 1.
In mathematics, the curriculum is well-structured, enabling pupils to build on their prior knowledge. Regular assessments help identify gaps in understanding, although there is a need for staff in early years to revisit prior learning more consistently. The history curriculum is ambitious, but not all pupils in key stage two can confidently discuss key historical concepts, indicating a need for more opportunities to review and reinforce their understanding.
The school effectively supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring tailored support is provided. Staff are attentive to the needs of these pupils, adapting the curriculum to facilitate their learning alongside their peers. The overall atmosphere in the school is calm and orderly, with pupils displaying positive attitudes towards their education. They engage in purposeful play during social times and enjoy positive interactions with one another.
Leaders promote personal development well, instilling values of respect and responsibility in pupils. They understand the importance of being a responsible citizen and enjoy taking on roles such as lunchtime buddies. The leadership team has effectively utilized support from the multi-academy trust to enhance the curriculum and ensure its impact on pupils is regularly assessed.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with a strong culture of safety embedded within the school. Staff are well-trained and vigilant, ensuring that pupils know how to seek help if needed. The school has appropriate policies in place to raise awareness of risks, including those related to online safety.
Despite the overall positive findings, the school must address certain areas for improvement. In some subjects, teaching does not sufficiently build on prior knowledge, leading to gaps in understanding. Additionally, the early years provision requires enhancements to ensure children are adequately prepared for the next stage of their education. By focusing on these areas, Offa’s Mead Academy can continue to foster an environment where all pupils thrive and achieve their potential.
