Cherry Oak School

Overview

Cherry Oak School has improved significantly since its previous inspection, with pupils now receiving a "good quality of education." The report highlights that pupils are happy, calm, and confident, benefiting from strong relationships with staff who are highly vigilant regarding their safety and emotional needs.

Strengths

• Staff demonstrate the school’s motto of "never do nothing," acting quickly to support anxious pupils and address concerns.
• A "carefully planned curriculum" and effective assessment systems allow leaders to monitor pupil progress accurately.
• Highly effective phonics programmes and expert staff help pupils develop a "love of books" and reading skills.
• Pupils access a "wealth of wider experiences," including community visits and sports competitions, which build confidence.
• Governors "fulfil their statutory duties effectively," offering appropriate support and challenge to stabilise leadership.

Areas to improve

• Explicit subject knowledge in some curriculum areas is not defined clearly enough, meaning content does not always build logically on prior learning.
• Strategies to meet individual pupil needs are not always precise or reviewed in a "systematic and timely manner."
• Classroom environments are not always maintained to a consistent standard, impacting support for specific communication, behaviour, and sensory needs.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective," noting that staff are highly vigilant and act quickly upon concerns.