The Olive Tree Primary School in Bolton has undergone an inspection that took place from February 4 to February 5, 2020. The overall effectiveness of the school has been rated as good, which reflects a positive assessment of various aspects of the educational environment. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision have all been rated as good. This is a change from the previous inspection in July 2015, where the school was rated as outstanding. The new judgment is based on the current inspection framework and acknowledges changes that have occurred within the school since the last evaluation.
The school has not been inspected for five years due to legislative changes that exempt outstanding schools from routine inspections. During this time, the effectiveness of the school may have changed, and the recent inspection aimed to assess the current state of the school. Pupils expressed their enjoyment of attending the school, highlighting its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. They adhere to the school’s values, which are rooted in its Islamic ethos, and respond positively to the high expectations set by leaders and teachers. The curriculum is described as well-designed and ambitious, allowing pupils to thrive and develop their knowledge and skills across various subjects. Technology is effectively integrated into learning, extending educational opportunities beyond the classroom.
Pupils take on roles of responsibility, such as librarians and prefects, and participate in the school council, which allows them to voice their opinions on improvements. They feel safe in the school environment and appreciate the support from teachers, who are described as friendly and helpful. While bullying is reported to be rare, pupils are confident that any issues will be addressed by adults. However, disappointing outcomes in the 2019 key stage two national assessments in reading and mathematics do not reflect the current quality of education, as current pupils are performing well in these areas.
Leaders are ambitious for all pupils, and this is evident in the redesigned curriculum and well-structured lesson planning. Regular training ensures that teachers possess secure knowledge of their subjects, enabling them to effectively convey new ideas. Reading is prioritized, with a strong emphasis on phonics instruction, resulting in consistent success in the Year 1 phonics screening check. Pupils with special educational needs receive appropriate support, allowing them to thrive alongside their peers.
Despite the positive aspects, there are areas for improvement. The curriculum is not yet coherently planned in some subjects, particularly physical education, where the scheme of work needs further development. Leaders are aware of these shortcomings and are taking steps to address them. Additionally, communication with parents has been identified as an area needing enhancement, as some parents feel inadequately informed about school matters. The school is committed to improving this aspect to foster better relationships with families.
In the early years, additional adults lack the knowledge to effectively utilize outdoor spaces for learning, leading to missed opportunities for engaging children in educational activities. Leaders are encouraged to ensure that staff are equipped with the necessary skills to enhance outdoor learning experiences. Overall, while the school has made significant strides in many areas, ongoing efforts are required to address the identified weaknesses and maintain a high standard of education for all pupils.
