The Blake Church of England Primary School, located in Witney, Oxfordshire, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness, achieving a Good rating in various areas including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The inspection, conducted on March 10-11, 2020, highlighted the positive environment within the school, where pupils express happiness and pride in their community. The school fosters a culture of celebration, evident in the displays of students' work that welcome visitors. Leaders aim to provide a well-rounded education that encompasses spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development alongside academic learning.
Staff members are dedicated to ensuring that pupils achieve their best, and recent improvements in the curriculum have led to enhanced student performance. The school has made significant strides in areas such as phonics, reading, writing, and mathematics, with attainment levels now aligning with national averages. The curriculum is broad and ambitious, designed to balance academic and pastoral learning effectively. Subject leaders have thoughtfully developed various areas of study, providing structured lesson sequences that help students retain knowledge over time.
Despite these strengths, the inspection identified areas for improvement, particularly in leadership development across all subject areas. Some leaders have not fully considered the knowledge and experience of their staff, which has led to inconsistencies in the quality of teaching in certain foundation subjects. While phonics sessions are delivered effectively, there are gaps in staff expertise in some subjects, which can impact the intended learning outcomes for pupils.
The school promotes reading as a vital component of the curriculum, with younger students engaging enthusiastically with literature. As pupils progress, they develop a deeper understanding of different genres and authors, fostering a love for reading that enhances their creative writing skills. The support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is commendable, with the special educational needs coordinator ensuring that staff are well-equipped to meet diverse needs, allowing for successful learning experiences.
In the early years, children receive a solid foundation for their education, with activities designed to build confidence and interpersonal skills. The buddy system, where older pupils support younger ones, is particularly well-received. Pupils exhibit good behavior throughout the school, feeling safe and respected. The school provides a rich array of experiences that contribute to pupils' broader development, including initiatives focused on mental health and well-being.
The governance of the school is strong, with local governors and the trust demonstrating a clear understanding of the school's operations. They hold leaders accountable while offering necessary support. Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to prioritize pupil welfare and safety. The school has established clear processes for reporting concerns, ensuring that issues are addressed promptly.
To further enhance the quality of education, senior leaders are encouraged to develop leadership skills at all levels and to provide targeted training for staff to fill knowledge gaps in specific subjects. By doing so, the school can continue to refine its curriculum and ensure that all pupils receive the high-quality education they deserve. Overall, The Blake Church of England Primary School is a thriving educational institution that prioritizes the well-being and success of its pupils while striving for continuous improvement.
