Willowcroft Community School, located in Didcot, Oxfordshire, is recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 5 and 6, 2024. Under the leadership of headteacher Amanda Doy, the school is part of the OPEN Umbrella Trust, which comprises four primary schools working collaboratively. The school fosters a positive and nurturing environment where pupils take pride in their learning and relationships with staff. High expectations are set for all students, encouraging them to succeed academically, emotionally, and socially.
The school’s core values of resilience, reflectiveness, resourcefulness, and reciprocity are integrated into daily routines, promoting enthusiastic participation in lessons and discussions. Pupils engage in various leadership roles, such as eco-leaders and reading ambassadors, which instills a sense of responsibility and impact within the school community. The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including gardening, sewing, dancing, and sports clubs, as well as opportunities for musical performance at local festivals. Pupils actively participate in charitable initiatives, demonstrating their commitment to social responsibility and environmental awareness.
The curriculum at Willowcroft is vibrant and well-structured, ensuring that essential knowledge and vocabulary are effectively taught. The school successfully identifies and supports the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, allowing them to access the same ambitious curriculum as their peers. Teachers maintain clear expectations for behavior, resulting in a calm and productive learning environment. Attendance is high, with proactive measures taken to support families in overcoming barriers to regular school attendance.
Reading is a significant focus at Willowcroft, with staff promoting a love of literature through diverse and engaging texts. Pupils express enthusiasm for the books available to them and are eager to explore new reading materials. The school implements a systematic phonics program to ensure that all pupils develop strong reading skills from an early age. However, there are instances where phonics instruction could be more precise, leading to some pupils not achieving the desired fluency in reading.
While teachers generally demonstrate strong subject knowledge, there are areas where teaching effectiveness varies. In some subjects, staff do not consistently check pupils’ understanding, which can result in gaps in learning. The school recognizes the need for ongoing professional development to enhance teaching practices and ensure that all pupils can make connections between new and previously learned material.
Willowcroft Community School is committed to meeting the needs of all pupils, regardless of their backgrounds. Disadvantaged pupils receive appropriate support, and the school provides numerous opportunities for broadening their understanding of the world. Through various activities, pupils learn about different cultures, faiths, and the importance of healthy relationships. Staff are dedicated to creating a supportive environment, and governors play an active role in overseeing the quality of education.
The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To further improve, the school aims to enhance the consistency of teaching across subjects and ensure that all staff are well-trained in phonics instruction. Overall, Willowcroft Community School continues to provide a good education, fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere for its pupils.
