The Batt Church of England Primary School, located in Witney, Oxfordshire, has recently undergone its first graded inspection since becoming an academy. The inspection took place on December 5 and 6, 2023, and the overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good across all key areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school has not been previously inspected under section five of the Education Act 2005, as it was exempt from routine inspections until November 2020.
The school is led by Executive Headteacher Deborah Seccull and is part of the Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust. The trust is overseen by a board of trustees, chaired by Kathy Winrow, and the CEO is Anne Dellar. The school serves a diverse student body and is committed to ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, succeed. The curriculum is ambitious and broad, allowing pupils to acquire a wide range of knowledge and skills. Pupils generally enjoy their learning experiences and achieve well.
Pupils at The Batt School feel supported and valued by the staff, fostering a nurturing environment where kindness is emphasized. The school promotes positive behaviour through clear expectations, encouraging pupils to be ready, respectful, and safe. Playtimes are well-organized, with various activities led by both pupils and staff, contributing to a positive school culture. While some pupils have expressed concerns about past bullying incidents, they feel confident in the support available from adults.
The school has a well-structured curriculum that outlines what pupils will learn and in what order. This careful planning helps pupils build their knowledge progressively from Reception onwards. However, there are areas where the curriculum is less developed, particularly in a few subjects, which can lead to variability in learning outcomes. The Reception curriculum is mostly well-established, but there are some areas that require further development.
Staff training is prioritized, ensuring that teachers are well-equipped to support pupils in their learning. Teachers regularly assess pupils' understanding and adapt their teaching accordingly. The school has made significant efforts to support pupils with special educational needs, although the consistency of this support varies across subjects.
Reading is a strong focus at The Batt School, with pupils demonstrating a love for literature and developing into fluent readers. The phonics programme is consistent and sequential, helping children build confidence and fluency in reading. Support for struggling readers is prompt and effective, ensuring that all pupils have the opportunity to succeed.
The school environment is safe and positive, with pupils exhibiting excellent manners and respectful interactions. The school has established clear behaviour expectations and maintains thorough records of any concerns, taking appropriate action to support pupils in meeting these expectations.
The school also emphasizes the importance of personal development, teaching pupils about relationships and their role in the wider community. This includes fostering an understanding of different cultures and faiths. A variety of clubs and extracurricular activities are available, enhancing the curriculum and providing opportunities for all pupils, particularly those who are disadvantaged.
Despite facing challenges in leadership, the school has made significant progress. New leaders have worked to raise expectations and support staff effectively. The arrangements for safeguarding are robust, ensuring that pupils' welfare is prioritized. Overall, The Batt Church of England Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
