Oasis Academy Henderson Avenue, located in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on April 30 and May 1, 2024. Under the leadership of Principal Heather O’Connor, the school is part of the Oasis Community Learning Multi-Academy Trust, which provides additional governance and support. The trust is overseen by CEO John Barneby and a board of trustees chaired by Caroline Taylor.
The school environment is described as happy and safe, with pupils benefiting from numerous improvements made by school leaders aimed at enhancing educational outcomes. A new ambitious curriculum is in place, positively impacting what students learn, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. However, the full effects of these changes are not yet reflected in published achievement outcomes.
Educational visits play a significant role in enriching the curriculum, with pupils particularly enjoying experiences such as trekking in the Lake District, which fosters teamwork and leadership skills. Opportunities for pupils to express their ideas and take on leadership roles, such as participating in a school parliament, are encouraged, promoting responsibility and active engagement in school life.
The management of behavior has seen significant changes, aligning with the school’s high expectations. Staff training has been implemented to support this new approach, resulting in increased engagement during lessons. The school’s commitment to pupil investment extends beyond academics, offering a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports clubs and music lessons.
Reading is a focal point of the school’s educational strategy, with a carefully selected phonics program that introduces pupils to high-quality texts. This initiative has fostered positive attitudes towards reading, with pupils demonstrating confidence and understanding in their reading abilities. The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, with trained staff delivering lessons effectively. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in subjects like geography, where pupils do not have enough opportunities to revisit and build upon prior knowledge, affecting their long-term retention of information.
The school actively monitors pupil understanding through assessments at the beginning and end of learning activities, ensuring that adjustments are made for those with special educational needs. While lessons proceed without disruption, lunchtime behavior management requires further attention, as some incidents remain unaddressed despite efforts to train staff.
In the early years, children receive a strong foundation for their education, with learning activities tailored to their developmental needs. The school emphasizes preparing pupils for life beyond its walls, coordinating a careers week that includes diverse industry visitors, which has positively influenced pupils' aspirations, particularly among girls interested in science-related careers.
Attendance is prioritized, with clear procedures in place to address absences promptly, resulting in strong attendance rates. The trust’s systems facilitate effective communication regarding the school’s performance, allowing trustees to engage meaningfully with school leaders.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, there are areas identified for improvement, particularly in enhancing pupils' understanding of healthy relationships and ensuring consistent behavior management during lunchtime. The school is encouraged to focus on strategies that support knowledge retention and reinforce high standards of behavior throughout the school day. Overall, Oasis Academy Henderson Avenue continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils, with a commitment to ongoing improvement.
