Oak Wood Primary School, located in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, is recognized as a good school following its inspection on October 4 and 5, 2023. The headteacher, Jenny Roberts, leads the school, which is part of the Central England Academy Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO George Smith and a board of trustees chaired by Hilary Ward. The school is dedicated to providing a caring and supportive environment where pupils' needs are prioritized. Staff members treat students with dignity and respect, fostering positive relationships that contribute to a happy school atmosphere.
Pupil engagement is a key focus at Oak Wood Primary School. The school emphasizes the importance of giving students a voice, teaching them various communication methods to express their feelings and make choices. This approach is integrated into all aspects of school life, enabling pupils to effectively participate in their learning. The school maintains high expectations for both learning and behavior, with pupils generally displaying good conduct in lessons and throughout the school. When challenges arise, staff provide effective support to help students manage their emotions and re-engage with their studies.
The curriculum at Oak Wood is designed to meet the diverse needs of its pupils, many of whom have special educational needs and/or disabilities. The school collaborates closely with parents and external agencies to ensure accurate identification of these needs. Leaders have developed an ambitious curriculum that includes personalized plans and focuses on communication skills, supported by speech and language therapists. This comprehensive approach ensures that pupils have access to the necessary resources to thrive academically and socially.
Reading is a high priority at the school, with staff implementing strategies to foster a love for reading among pupils. Children are encouraged to develop pre-reading skills and engage in phonics instruction, with additional support provided for those who struggle. The school has identified specific knowledge that pupils need to learn in various subjects, although there are areas where this focus could be improved to maximize learning opportunities.
The learning environment at Oak Wood is purposeful, with staff effectively managing any disruptions. Pupils are encouraged to reach their potential through a variety of strategies, including breaking learning into manageable steps and incorporating practical activities. However, there are instances where the activities provided do not fully support learning as effectively as possible.
Personal development is central to the curriculum, with the school promoting independence and working with external agencies to address the physical and medical needs of pupils. The school also prioritizes teaching students about safety and how to communicate concerns, ensuring they are prepared for life beyond school.
Leaders engage well with staff, considering their feedback and workload when implementing changes. Parents appreciate the support they receive in meeting their children's needs. The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve further, the school should focus on enhancing staff subject knowledge across the curriculum to ensure that all pupils receive the best possible educational outcomes. Additionally, refining the precise knowledge that pupils need to learn in all subjects will help them build on prior knowledge more effectively. Overall, Oak Wood Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational experience for its pupils.
