Ofsted conducted a monitoring inspection of Oak CofE Primary School on June 18 and 19, 2024, following its previous inspection in October 2022, which deemed the school to require special measures. The purpose of this monitoring inspection was to assess the progress made by the school since the last graded inspection. The inspection involved discussions with the headteacher, senior leaders, members of the interim executive board, and local authority representatives. Observations included classroom visits, reviewing pupils' work, and examining various documents, including the school’s central record.
The findings indicate that while progress has been made, further work is necessary for the school to be removed from special measures. The leadership team has been strengthened, with a focus on distributed leadership, and senior leaders have a clear understanding of their roles. New members have joined the interim executive board, enhancing expertise in early years provision. Improvements initiated are becoming embedded, particularly in the teaching of reading, writing, and mathematics, which is positively impacting pupil outcomes. The early years curriculum has also seen development, benefiting the youngest children in the school.
The implementation of early reading and phonics programs is now secure, and leaders are focusing on developing the curriculum for reading and writing across key stages one and two. They have established progressive learning steps for all year groups, aiding teachers in lesson planning. However, there are still areas needing improvement, particularly in the use of mathematical resources and early years planning. The foundation curriculum subjects are also being developed, with subject leaders gaining confidence through training and support. Monitoring of curriculum implementation is now in place, helping to identify areas for further development.
Despite these advancements, many pupils still have significant gaps in their learning due to previous curriculum shortcomings. This is reflected in their weak outcomes, and the school is still determining how to structure lessons effectively to support retention of important knowledge. The school faces challenges with high pupil mobility, leading to an increased number of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities joining mid-year. Leaders are proactively addressing these needs, particularly through the introduction of a specialized communication and interaction room.
Behavior management policies have been revised, resulting in a calmer school environment. However, there are inconsistencies in the understanding and application of these policies among staff and pupils. While low-level disturbances have decreased, pupils report ongoing disruptive behavior, and there are still high rates of suspensions. Attendance remains a priority, with systems in place beginning to show positive effects for some pupils, though further work is needed.
The safeguarding culture within the school is well established, with effective procedures in place. The interim executive board is actively seeking long-term stability for the school, collaborating with the local authority and potential academy trust sponsors. The quality of education committee is committed to ensuring curriculum quality and improvement, utilizing external support effectively. Overall, while there are positive developments at Oak CofE Primary School, significant challenges remain that require ongoing attention and action to ensure all pupils receive the education they deserve.
