Abbey Woods Academy, located in Berinsfield, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, underwent an inspection on June 27 and 28, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, reflecting significant improvements since the previous inspection, which had identified the school as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good.
Pupils at Abbey Woods Academy exhibit happiness and motivation, driven by a culture that celebrates their achievements. Weekly celebration assemblies foster a sense of community and encourage students to strive for excellence. The school emphasizes the importance of hard work and commitment, which is evident in the pride pupils take in their accomplishments, such as being recognized in the ‘golden book’ for personal achievements. Parents and carers express positive sentiments about the school, highlighting its supportive and encouraging environment.
The school promotes its ‘CARE’ values—community, aspiration, respect, and equality—through the interactions of pupils and staff. These values are evident in the respectful and kind behavior displayed by students in lessons and throughout the school. Pupils feel comfortable reporting any concerns to their teachers, knowing they will receive support. The school has a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying, and instances of bullying are rare, with staff responding promptly to any issues that arise.
Leaders at Abbey Woods Academy have developed an ambitious curriculum that encompasses the national curriculum's breadth. The curriculum is designed to ensure that pupils acquire essential knowledge and skills, particularly in the early years, which prepares them for success in key stage one. Subject leaders regularly review and enhance the curriculum, supported by school leaders in their professional development.
Teaching approaches are largely consistent across subjects, with effective modeling and questioning techniques employed to facilitate learning. In early years, teachers encourage children to articulate their thoughts, enhancing their language skills. Teachers frequently check for understanding when introducing new concepts, allowing for immediate correction of misunderstandings. Adaptations are made to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they make strong progress. However, in some foundation subjects, pupils struggle to articulate their prior learning, indicating a need for better integration of previous knowledge into current topics.
Reading is a priority throughout the school, with daily class reads fostering a love for literature. Pupils have access to a variety of books, and they engage with reading material enthusiastically. The early reading curriculum is designed to ensure that all children become confident readers, with teachers closely monitoring progress and providing support to those who need it.
Behavior across the school has improved significantly, with clear expectations established from the early years. Teachers implement effective routines and consistently address low-level disruptions, creating a calm and orderly environment. Pupils respond positively to high expectations, and their conduct during lessons and playtime reflects this. The school encourages participation in various extracurricular activities, and pupils, including those with special educational needs, engage enthusiastically in clubs and events.
Leaders are committed to fostering aspiration among pupils and continuously strive to raise standards. They regularly review the impact of changes made within the school and ensure that staff workload remains manageable, contributing to a positive working environment. Governors and trustees have a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement.
The safeguarding arrangements at Abbey Woods Academy are effective, with leaders prioritizing the safety and well-being of pupils. Staff receive comprehensive training on safeguarding issues, and there are clear procedures for reporting concerns. Leaders maintain detailed safeguarding records and collaborate with external agencies to provide necessary support for pupils and families.
Despite the overall positive evaluation, the school must address gaps in knowledge in some foundation subjects, ensuring that staff are equipped to identify and address these gaps effectively. This will help pupils build a secure understanding across the entire curriculum. The school continues to demonstrate a commitment to improvement and the well-being of its pupils, fostering an environment where they can thrive academically and personally.
