Oakdale Junior School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Leaders' high expectations of staff and pupils have improved the quality of teaching and behaviour. The curriculum is a strength of the school; it interests and excites pupils so that they acquire knowledge and develop a broad range of skills.

Pupils in different year groups are making more rapid progress than at the time of the previous inspection. The quality of pupils' writing across year groups, but particularly in Year 6, is much higher than at the time of the last inspection. Leaders and teachers receive effective external support from the local authority and the school improvement partner.

The quality of teaching is improving becau...se : teachers are planning activities that better meet the needs of most pupils. Pupils behave well in lessons and around the school site. They are respectful of staff, each other and the school environment.

Pupils' attendance is higher than the national average. The majority of disadvantaged pupils and those who have special educational needs or disability are now making more rapid progress. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Leaders and governors do not have a sharp enough grasp of the progress of different groups of pupils.

Some parents do not feel that communication between home and school is effective. Some higher-attaining pupils are not making enough progress beyond that which is expected of them.

Information about this school

Oakdale Junior School is much larger than the average-sized primary school.

The current headteacher has been in post since September 2012 and the current deputy headteacher since September 2013. A number of assistant headteacher and middle leader appointments have been made since the last inspection. The majority of pupils are from a White British background.

The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium is below average. The proportion of girls in the school is much lower than average. The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs or disability requiring support is below average.

The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs or disability who have a statement or education, health and care plan is above average. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of Year 6. During the inspection, Year 6 pupils were sitting their end of key stage tests.