Oasis Academy Long Cross, located in Lawrence Weston, Bristol, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 15 and 16, 2021. The school prides itself on fostering a strong sense of community among pupils and staff, who express pride in their school environment. Leaders and staff are well-acquainted with the families, allowing them to effectively support pupils in maximizing their educational experience. The school places a strong emphasis on putting pupils at the center of decision-making processes.
Pupils demonstrate enthusiasm for learning across a diverse range of subjects, particularly enjoying reading. They feel safe and well-cared for, knowing whom to approach for help if they have concerns. Reports of bullying are rare, and pupils are confident that staff address any incidents promptly and effectively. The behavior of pupils is commendable, with a culture of mutual support and hard work that minimizes disruptions to learning. Pupils are encouraged to be resilient and persistent in their efforts.
The school offers numerous opportunities for pupils to explore new interests through various clubs, including sports, chess, animal care, and Cantonese. Leaders inspire pupils to become change-makers in areas that matter to them, such as environmental issues. Career events organized by the school help pupils understand potential job opportunities beyond their immediate surroundings.
Leaders are ambitious for all pupils and possess a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. They have cultivated a purposeful learning environment that motivates both pupils and staff. The curriculum is broad, balanced, and diverse, with systematic progression from Nursery to Year 6. In mathematics, a coherent curriculum supports the development of pupils' knowledge over time. In history, pupils engage with a wide array of historical topics, although there is a need for clearer connections regarding when essential concepts will be revisited to deepen understanding.
Teachers regularly assess pupils' learning and adapt their teaching methods accordingly, particularly benefiting those with special educational needs and disabilities. However, assessment practices in subjects outside the core curriculum require further development to provide leaders with a comprehensive understanding of the curriculum's impact. The phonics program is well-structured, effectively laying the groundwork for reading skills. Staff in the early years focus on developing speech and language, fostering strong relationships with children.
While the reading program extends beyond phonics, ensuring a rich selection of literature, there are instances where books do not align perfectly with pupils' phonetic knowledge, hindering their reading fluency. Leaders are encouraged to ensure that reading materials consistently match pupils' abilities to build confidence and comprehension.
The school has effective safeguarding measures in place, with staff trained to identify and address concerns promptly. Leaders collaborate with external agencies to provide necessary support for pupils and families. Pupils report feeling safe and are knowledgeable about maintaining their safety, including online.
To enhance its effectiveness, the school should focus on strengthening assessment practices in the wider curriculum to gain a clearer understanding of its impact. Additionally, leaders need to ensure that opportunities for revisiting learning are explicitly integrated into curriculum planning. Addressing the occasional mismatch between reading materials and pupils' phonetic knowledge will further support their reading development. Overall, Oasis Academy Long Cross continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational environment for its pupils.
