The Olive School, Preston

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Outcome

The Olive School, Preston has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.The principal of this school is Parveen Yusuf. This school is part of Star Academies, which means other people in the trust also have responsibility for running the school.

The trust is run by the chief executive officer (CEO), Sir Mufti Hamid Patel CBE, and overseen by a board of trustees, chaired by Kamruddin Kothia OBE DL.

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils thrive at this exceptional school. They live up to the school's extremely high expectations for their achievements and behaviour.

Pupils, their parents and carers, and staff are hugely proud... to be part of this warm and welcoming community.

Pupils, and children in the early years, engage in their learning with enthusiasm and determination. They are immensely proud of their achievements.

Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), produce work of an incredibly high standard. The excellent outcomes in national assessments for pupils reflect the school's determination to help every pupil reach their potential.

Pupils' behaviour is exemplary.

This starts in the early years where children settle quickly and follow the clear routines that are in place. Pupils are polite to each other, to staff and to visitors. They know that staff will help them if they have any worries or concerns.

This helps pupils to feel happy, safe and flourish in their learning.

The school's values shine through the impressive opportunities that it provides for pupils. Pupils enjoy visits to climbing venues and participating in residential trips, for example.

Pupils know the importance of helping others. They regularly take part in events that support local charities.

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

The school has thoughtfully planned and structured its curriculum.

It clearly outlines the key knowledge and skills that pupils will learn. This approach helps pupils build a strong foundation for their future learning. Staff deeply understand how to teach and deliver the curriculum effectively.

They use their expertise to make lessons engaging and impactful.

Staff routinely check pupils' understanding and quickly address any misconceptions. Frequent practice in reviewing and recalling information helps children to remember what they have learned and strengthens their understanding over time.

As a result, pupils deepen their knowledge and achieve outcomes in national tests and assessments which exceed the national average. They leave the school fully prepared for secondary education.

The school has high aspirations for pupils with SEND.

Staff quickly identify pupils' individual needs and provide tailored support to ensure that they can access learning and the full curriculum. Staff adapt lessons and activities to meet the needs of pupils with SEND. They use information from support plans to personalise pupils' learning.

This focused approach allows pupils with SEND to make excellent progress through the curriculum from their individual starting points.

The school prioritises the teaching of reading. It provides thorough training for all staff, who deliver the phonics programme consistently and skilfully.

Staff carefully select books that match the sounds that pupils learn. They quickly support pupils who struggle with reading, helping them to develop fluency and accuracy. Pupils frequently visit the school's welcoming library, where they eagerly choose books to read.

They enjoy reading a variety of genres and authors and they enthusiastically discuss the books they have read. In the Reception Year, adults introduce children to a rich variety of vocabulary through stories, songs and poetry.

Pupils consistently demonstrate excellent behaviour.

They treat one another with kindness and respect. Pupils are focused, attentive and try hard in the classroom. Staff monitor attendance closely and provide effective support when concerns arise, ensuring that pupils attend regularly.

The school offers pupils a wide range of enriching experiences to support their personal growth. Staff help pupils understand fundamental British values and their significance in daily life, such as learning how elections work. This approach ensures that pupils are well-prepared for life in modern Britain.

Staff teach pupils how to stay safe both online and in the wider world. Pupils also learn about different cultures and religions, developing an appreciation for diversity. Educational visits and extra-curricular activities encourage pupils to try new things and build their resilience.

The school invests heavily in staff training and well-being. It creates a positive work environment. As a result, staff feel valued and proud to work at the school.

The local governing board and the trust maintain a thorough understanding of the school. They collaborate closely with the school to uphold high standards and ensure continuous improvement.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Background

Until September 2024, on a graded (section 5) inspection we gave schools an overall effectiveness grade, in addition to the key and provision judgements. Overall effectiveness grades given before September 2024 will continue to be visible on school inspection reports and on Ofsted's website. From September 2024 graded inspections will not include an overall effectiveness grade.

This school was, before September 2024, judged outstanding for its overall effectiveness.

We have now inspected the school to determine whether it has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at that previous inspection. This is called an ungraded inspection, and it is carried out under section 8 of the Education Act 2005.

We do not give graded judgements on an ungraded inspection. However, if we find evidence that a school's work has improved significantly or that it may not be as strong as it was at the last inspection, then the next inspection will be a graded inspection. A graded inspection is carried out under section 5 of the Act.

Usually this is within one to two years of the date of the ungraded inspection. If we have serious concerns about safeguarding, behaviour or the quality of education, we will deem the ungraded inspection a graded inspection immediately.

This is the first ungraded inspection since we judged the school to be outstanding for overall effectiveness in June 2019.