Oakdene Primary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils flourish and thrive at Oakdene Primary Academy. The curriculum is underpinned by the school motto, 'Learning for Life'. Pupils are prepared exceptionally well for their next phase of learning and beyond.

There is a culture of ambition and high aspiration that permeates throughout the school. All pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils, achieve well.

Pupils and staff are incredibly proud to belong to this school.

Pupils are happy and feel safe. They understand the right of every child to an education. As a result, classrooms are calm and purposeful.

Pupils are inquisitive and d...emonstrate a love of learning. Pupils make impressive progress during their time in school and achieve high standards.

Parents appreciate the rich and creative curriculum that the school offers.

Pupils talk enthusiastically about the 'memorable experiences' that enhance their learning. There is a commitment from leaders to extend learning beyond the classroom through, for example, school visits and access to the school's beach school and forest school.

This school empowers pupils to have a voice and to understand that their opinions matter.

For example, pupils led the school's accreditation of the Rainbow Flag Award. Pupils enjoy a number of leadership roles and responsibilities, such as digital leaders and reading buddies.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school has crafted a curriculum that is bespoke to its pupils and the community it serves.

Leaders are ambitious for pupils and frequently review plans as part of a cycle of continuous school improvement. Leaders have sequenced knowledge and skills to enable pupils to revisit, embed and build on prior learning. For example, in mathematics, children develop a secure understanding of number in the early years.

This helps pupils to understand simple fractions in Year 1 before progressing to decimals and percentages in key stage 2.

Exceptional learning habits are established from the very start in the early years. Children quickly settle into classroom routines.

Adults are highly skilled at developing language and communication through their interactions with children. The classroom environment entices children to learn. For example, children in Reception are excited to learn about space.

They can name the planets of the solar system and talk about the different features of each planet. Children independently access non-fiction books and wall displays to support their learning.

Reading is at the heart of the curriculum.

Pupils love to read and talk enthusiastically about reading challenges, author visits and class texts. From Nursery, children are confident with letter sounds, and this prepares them well to begin a more formal phonics programme in Reception. All staff are highly skilled at teaching phonics, and this is delivered consistently throughout school.

Reading books are carefully matched to the sounds pupils are learning. Pupils can apply their phonics knowledge when reading unfamiliar words. Teachers make regular checks to ensure that pupils are 'on track' with their reading.

They identify any pupils at risk of falling behind and provide extra help so they catch up quickly. This careful approach to reading continues throughout key stage 2. Pupils read daily and enjoy online quizzes to test their knowledge and understanding.

The school is highly effective in supporting pupils with SEND. Early identification ensures pupils receive the help that they need. Leaders deploy additional adults effectively to give targeted support.

For example, by providing additional teaching for pupils in advance of a lesson, pupils can access learning successfully alongside their peers.

Personal development is exemplary. The curriculum prepares pupils exceptionally well for life in modern Britain.

For example, in Reception, pupils understand democracy when they vote each day for their class story book. Pupils are knowledgeable about different faiths, cultures and beliefs and show a deep respect. Pupils learn about different types of families and relationships.

They know about consent, appropriate touch and how to keep themselves safe, both offline and online. Inspirational visitors, such as a Paralympian wheelchair rugby player, enhance the careers education that the school offers.

Those responsible for governance know the school very well.

They have an accurate view of its strengths and ensure that leaders are evaluative and reflective. Leaders have a relentless ambition to make further improvements. Since the school joined the trust, there have been increased opportunities for leadership development.

This has been particularly beneficial for leaders new to role. Leaders value the opportunity to work collaboratively with other schools.

Staff appreciate the changes brought about by leaders to reduce their workload.

They feel incredibly well supported and valued. This is a school where both pupils and staff are nurtured with exceptional levels of care.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.