Oakworth Primary School, located in Keighley, West Yorkshire, underwent an inspection on December 13 and 14, 2022, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has established high expectations for all pupils, fostering a positive learning environment characterized by calmness and consistency. The staff promotes a set of values known as Oakworth super powers, which include discovery, respect, teamwork, challenge, resilience, and kindness. These values contribute to a supportive atmosphere where pupils can thrive academically and socially.
Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning, showing attentiveness and eagerness to participate in lessons. Disruption is infrequent, and students treat each other with respect and courtesy. The school environment is safe, with pupils feeling secure and aware of trusted adults they can approach with concerns. Instances of bullying are reported to be rare, and pupils are educated on how to recognize and report such behavior.
The curriculum at Oakworth Primary School is ambitious, with leaders carefully considering the essential knowledge pupils should acquire and the sequence in which it is taught. However, there are some areas where the curriculum is not as clearly mapped out, which can affect the consistency of learning across subjects. Teachers are knowledgeable and employ effective strategies to ensure that pupils grasp key concepts, particularly in subjects like science, where practical experiments enhance understanding.
Assessment practices are generally effective, allowing teachers to gauge pupils' learning and adjust instruction accordingly. However, in subjects where the curriculum lacks clarity, assessment may not provide a complete picture of pupils' progress. The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have access to the full curriculum through tailored assistance.
Reading is a priority from early years through to Year 6, with pupils encouraged to read widely both in and out of school. The school has implemented a new phonics teaching approach, with well-trained teachers ensuring that reading materials align with the sounds being taught. This has resulted in most pupils becoming confident and fluent readers. Various initiatives, such as reading rucksacks and story sacks, promote a love of reading, and pupils enjoy utilizing the school's new library area.
Beyond the curriculum, Oakworth Primary School offers numerous extracurricular opportunities, including after-school clubs and sports teams. The school emphasizes active lifestyles and healthy living through its physical education curriculum and forest school initiatives. Pupils are also exposed to various career role models through guest visits, broadening their understanding of future possibilities.
Leadership at the school is characterized by a clear and ambitious vision, with staff feeling well-supported and their well-being prioritized. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to identify and respond to potential risks to pupils. Overall, while Oakworth Primary School excels in many areas, there is a need for improvement in the clarity of the curriculum in certain subjects to ensure consistent learning outcomes for all pupils. Leaders are encouraged to enhance their monitoring of curriculum effectiveness to share best practices across subjects.
