The Olive School Blackburn

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. From their starting points, all groups of pupils in all key stages make rapid progress to reach high levels of attainment. The proportion of pupils reaching a good level of development at the end of their Reception Year is above that seen nationally.

Pupils who have been in Key Stage 1 for only a short time since the opening of the school have made outstanding progress, particularly in mathematics. In all year groups many pupils produce a standard of work beyond that typical for their age. The inclusive nature of the school and pervasive ethos of a 'love of learning' mean that all groups have equal opportunities to achieve academic excell...ence and develop as well-rounded individuals.

Teaching is inspirational: consequently, learning is purposeful and full of fun. Senior and middle leaders share a passion for educational excellence and have a relentless focus on improving the quality of teaching and raising achievement even further. Governance is strong.

Governors have a deep understanding of the school. They recognise the need to further develop the links between the governing body and middle leaders as the school continues to grow in size. Attendance is extremely high; pupils thoroughly enjoy school and attend regularly.

The school has a highly positive reputation in the community and has established effective relationships with parents. Behaviour is a real strength of the school. Pupils' behaviour is impeccable.

They listen with rapt attention and want to meet or exceed the high expectations their teachers set for them. Pupils have high levels of respect for themselves and others, which they demonstrate in the way they conduct themselves and the pride they show in the high quality presentation of their work. Pupils feel safe and know how to keep safe in school, in the community and online, because of the support and teaching they receive.

The breadth of the school's curriculum ensures all pupils are prepared well for life in modern Britain and have a good understanding of democracy. This school is a progressive and welcoming place where respect for different faiths and cultures is emphasised. Leaders and governors are highly vigilant and proactive in mitigating any potential dangers from extremism.

Information about this school

The Olive School opened as a three-form entry, Muslim faith-based primary school in September 2013. It was set up in response to demand from the local community. It is part of the Tauheedul Education Trust (TET) family of schools.

TET's vision involves the development of a national model for progressive, mainstream and positive Muslim free schools that provide pupils with outstanding academic foundations to help them become exemplary members of their community. The school follows the National Curriculum, which is extended through an enrichment programme. All the teaching staff in the school are qualified teachers.

The timing of the school day enables a flexible start in the morning and an early finish on a Fridays to allow for prayers. Currently, the school has four year groups: Reception, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3 with a total of 330 pupils. The school is oversubscribed: for September 2015; there were 240 applications for 90 places.

All pupils are from minority ethnic backgrounds and over half of them speak English as an additional language; these are well above the proportions seen nationally. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium is small and well below the national picture. This is in stark contrast to the school's indicator of deprivation which places it within the 40% of areas of highest deprivation in the country.

The pupil premium is additional funding the school receives for pupils known to be eligible for free school meals or who are in local authority care. The proportion of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs is below average. This was the first full inspection of the school by Ofsted.

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