King's Oak Academy

Overview

King’s Oak Academy has undergone significant transformation since its previous inspection, now providing a "calm and very caring environment" where pupils "learn well." The report highlights that pupils receive the "standard of education they deserve," with strong relationships between adults and children fostering resilience and independence. While the school has moved out of special measures, there are specific areas regarding writing proficiency and early years vocabulary that require further development to ensure all pupils reach their full potential.

Strengths

• Pupils benefit from a "well-designed curriculum" where teachers are clear on essential knowledge and effectively address "emerging knowledge gaps."
• Reading instruction is highly effective; adults are "expert in teaching reading," ensuring all pupils, including those with additional needs, learn to read "fluently and with confidence."
• Behaviour has been "transformed," with pupils generally behaving well, showing respect, and looking out for friends who are feeling sad.
• Attendance has improved dramatically, with pupils now attending regularly because they and their parents understand the "importance of good attendance."
• The early years provision has been "significantly improved," helping children develop "well-rounded social skills" and settle into school routines quickly.

Areas to improve

• The school must fully implement its new approach to writing to help pupils secure the necessary knowledge to become "proficient writers," addressing gaps in letter formation and spelling.
• Adults in the early years need further training to "extend children’s vocabulary effectively," ensuring children gain the "rich and broad language" required for future literacy development.
• Staff must intervene more quickly to stop "low-level disruption," ensuring high expectations for behaviour are implemented consistently so pupils can concentrate on learning.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."