Ofsted give the following verdict on school where every child is cherished

A headteacher is proud of the staff, pupils, and parents and said her school is “going from strength to strength” after receiving a glowing Ofsted report.

No one-word overall judgement is now given to schools with, instead, a traffic light report card ranging from blue (exceptional), dark green (strong standard), light green (expected standard), amber (needs attention) to red which indicates urgent improvement is needed.

The education watchdog deemed Oxclose Primary Academy to be at a strong standard for inclusion and Early Years provision, and at the expected standard for achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing.

Inspectors described how an “ambitious” Early Years curriculum ensures children are “well prepared for Year 1” and described Oxclose as a “school where every pupil is cherished”.

Lead inspector Dan McKeating was fulsome in his praise for the school’s inclusive ethos.

He said: “Oxclose Primary Academy's mantra that 'everyone is welcome here' is lived out consistently. Leaders successfully ensure the school meets the precise needs of the high proportion of pupils who face barriers to learning and/or wellbeing.

“Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) follow ambitious curriculum pathways that meet their needs securely. Many pupils, including those in the additional resourced provision for pupils with SEND, learn alongside their peers and thrive.”

The report highlighted how pupils are “generally well prepared for their next steps in learning”.

Inspectors noted attendance rates are close to the national average, that pupils with SEND attend well, and identified “consistent routines and high expectations ensure pupils behave well”.

Headteacher Audrey Bolam said: “We want every child who walks through our doors to feel they belong, are understood and that anything is possible.

“Our role is to recognise potential in every child and create the right opportunities for them to grow in confidence, discover their strengths and achieve things they may not have thought possible.

“Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do, and it’s wonderful to see this recognised. This report is a wonderful recognition of the commitment of our whole staff team, the determination of our amazing pupils and the partnership we share with our families.

“We’re proud of the progress our children make, not just in their learning, but in their independence, relationships and belief in themselves. That is what makes Oxclose Primary such a special place to learn and grow.”

Mr McKeating commended the school’s “ambitious and clearly designed curriculum” recognised how the personal development programme “supports pupils' wider development well”.

The school is part of Laidlaw Schools Trust.

CEO Sally Newton said: “It’s wonderful to see Ofsted recognise the impact of the inclusive practice taking place at Oxclose, including its Skylight provision.

“Skylight is about inclusive mainstream education in action: creating an environment where children with additional needs are understood, supported and given the opportunity to achieve their potential as part of the wider school community.”

The school certainly seems to have the approval of the judges that matter most - the children.

Leilan Todd, 6, said: “I like PE and going on the climbing wall.”

Adeline Marley, 10, added: “Everyone is welcomed at our school and I’m really proud to come here.”

Evelyn Armstrong, 9, added: “I like the 11 by 11 where we get to try 11 new things before we leave Year 6.