Oughtibridge Primary School, located in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, has recently undergone an inspection by Ofsted, which took place on November 28 and 29, 2023. The school has been rated as outstanding in all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This is a significant achievement, especially considering that the school had not been previously inspected under section five of the Education Act 2005.
The headteacher, Helen Adams, leads the school, which is part of the Peak Edge Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Jim Dugmore and a board of trustees chaired by Dave Cates. Oughtibridge Primary School converted to an academy in May 2019 and was previously judged to be outstanding before its transition. The school serves a diverse community and has a strong commitment to ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, achieve exceptionally well.
The school environment is characterized by a culture of respect and collaboration, where pupils thrive academically and personally. The curriculum is ambitious and tailored to meet the specific needs of the community, providing engaging and exciting learning experiences. Teachers possess expert knowledge of their subjects and effectively check pupils' understanding, allowing for timely interventions when misunderstandings arise. This approach ensures that pupils build their subject knowledge progressively and can articulate their learning with confidence.
Pupils express a genuine love for school, attributing their enjoyment to the fun and engaging nature of their lessons. Their behaviour is exemplary, reflecting the high expectations set by school leaders. The school fosters excellent relationships among staff and pupils, contributing to a safe and happy learning environment. Opportunities for leadership roles are abundant, with pupils actively participating in initiatives that promote inclusivity and teamwork.
The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with a well-structured phonics program that begins in Reception. Staff are well-trained in teaching phonics, ensuring that pupils receive appropriate support to develop their reading skills. The school's commitment to literacy is evident, as pupils are immersed in a rich literary environment that fosters a love for reading from an early age.
Personal development is a key focus at Oughtibridge Primary School, with a comprehensive program that helps pupils become responsible and respectful citizens. The school promotes fundamental British values and encourages pupils to celebrate diversity. A wide range of extracurricular clubs is available, ensuring that all pupils have the opportunity to participate and feel included.
The leadership team, including trustees and governors, actively engages in monitoring the school's performance to maintain high standards. Staff report high levels of job satisfaction, appreciating the support they receive from leaders regarding their workload. Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school, recognizing the progress their children make and the support provided by staff.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring that pupils' welfare is prioritized. The school has created a positive culture around safeguarding, which is evident in the relationships built between staff and pupils. Overall, Oughtibridge Primary School exemplifies excellence in education, providing a nurturing environment where every pupil can succeed and flourish.
