Sandhills Community Primary School, located in Oxfordshire, received a positive inspection report following its evaluation on November 1 and 2, 2022. The school was rated as good in all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This was the first inspection under the current framework since the school had not been previously inspected under section five of the Education Act 2005.
Pupils at Sandhills Community Primary School express pride in their school and enjoy being part of its welcoming community. They feel happy and safe, attributing their positive experiences to the supportive environment fostered by staff. The relationships between staff and pupils are characterized by mutual respect and kindness, with staff consistently modelling appropriate behaviour. The school has effective measures in place to manage behaviour, and instances of bullying are rare, with staff addressing any concerns promptly and effectively.
The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports clubs, music opportunities, and art projects, which contribute to the cultural and social development of pupils. Leaders are committed to expanding these enrichment opportunities further. Parents have shown overwhelming support for the school, appreciating its inclusive approach and ongoing improvements.
Leadership at Sandhills is marked by decisiveness and integrity. The curriculum is ambitious and broad, designed to help pupils build knowledge and skills progressively. The Reception class is particularly well-structured, ensuring children start their education on a strong footing. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all teachers consistently assess pupils' understanding before moving on to new content. This inconsistency can lead to missed opportunities for pupils to consolidate their learning.
The school is also focused on supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. The newly appointed special educational needs coordinator has made strides in identifying and meeting the needs of these pupils, working closely with parents and teachers to ensure that all students can succeed alongside their peers. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, recognizing its importance in accessing the wider curriculum. Staff are well-trained in phonics instruction, and pupils are encouraged to read daily, fostering a love for reading through diverse and engaging texts.
Overall, pupils demonstrate good behaviour and follow established routines. The calm environment in the early years promotes cooperation and curiosity among children. Leaders are actively working to enhance pupils' personal development, providing opportunities for them to take on responsible roles and contribute positively to the school community.
The governance of the school is effective, with the trust board and governors maintaining a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for development. They work collaboratively with school leaders to ensure strategic plans are in place and monitored effectively. Staff appreciate the support they receive from leaders, particularly regarding their well-being and workload management.
The safeguarding arrangements at Sandhills Community Primary School are robust, with a strong culture of safeguarding established. Staff receive regular training to ensure they are equipped to handle any concerns regarding pupil welfare. The school maintains meticulous records and works closely with external agencies to provide necessary support for pupils.
In summary, Sandhills Community Primary School is a good school that prioritizes the well-being and development of its pupils. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in assessment practices and consistency in teaching, the school is committed to addressing these challenges and continuing to provide a high-quality education for all its students.
