Ladygrove Park Primary School, located in Didcot, Oxfordshire, has recently undergone an inspection by Ofsted, which took place on December 5 and 6, 2023. The school has been rated as good across all key areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The headteacher, Andrew Markham, leads the school, which is part of the Oxfordshire Primary Education Network, overseen by a board of trustees chaired by Imran Lokhon.
The inspection marks the first routine evaluation since the school became an academy, following a long gap due to previous exemptions from routine inspections. The report highlights the school’s commitment to high aspirations for all pupils, fostering independence and curiosity from the early years. Pupils are encouraged to become great thinkers and collaborators, and those with special educational needs and disabilities receive particularly strong support in this inclusive environment.
Pupils at Ladygrove Park Primary School demonstrate a strong sense of safety and trust in the adults around them, which contributes to their enjoyment of learning. They are taught resilience and are encouraged to take risks in their learning, as reflected in positive feedback from parents about the nurturing environment. Behaviour in the school is calm and respectful, with pupils adhering to high expectations set by the school’s standards for learning and behaviour. The school has implemented a system of recognition for exemplary work and behaviour, which motivates pupils to strive for excellence.
The curriculum at Ladygrove Park is broad and well-structured, ensuring that all pupils learn in a logical sequence from nursery through to the end of key stage two. Teachers are well-informed about the knowledge and skills required at each stage and employ effective activities to help pupils understand and retain new information. Assessment practices are particularly strong in mathematics and English, allowing teachers to identify and address areas where pupils may struggle. However, the report notes that assessment practices are not as consistently applied across all subjects, leading to some gaps in knowledge in certain areas.
In the early years foundation stage, children quickly adapt to routines and thrive in a positive learning environment. They engage in activities that promote independence and creativity, laying a strong foundation for their future learning in mathematics and reading. The teaching of phonics is effective, with adults providing regular reading opportunities that enhance children's understanding and enjoyment of literature.
Pupils are given numerous opportunities to develop their character and leadership skills, participating in school councils and serving as peer mentors and house captains. The school emphasizes the importance of mental health and well-being, preparing pupils for life in modern Britain by instilling values of fairness and respect for others.
The governance of the school is strong, with trustees and governors demonstrating a thorough understanding of the school’s operations and providing effective support and accountability. Staff receive necessary training to enhance their skills, contributing to a positive and aspirational school culture.
The report concludes that while the school is performing well, there is a need for improvement in the consistency of assessment practices across all subjects to ensure that all pupils can make connections between their learning experiences. Overall, Ladygrove Park Primary School is recognized for its effective educational provision and supportive environment, fostering both academic and personal growth among its pupils.
