Oaklands Mead Academy

Overview

This ungraded inspection confirms that Oaklands School remains ‘good’, with evidence suggesting it could achieve an ‘outstanding’ grade if a full graded inspection were conducted now. The report highlights a highly personalised curriculum and strong positive relationships that allow pupils to ‘flourish’ and fulfil their potential.

Strengths

• The curriculum is ‘highly personalised to their needs’, with pupils carefully placed into specific pathways based on communication and interaction requirements.
• Staff are ‘highly trained and skilled’, ensuring pupils engage ‘calmly and happily’ through effective ‘positive behaviour support’.
• Assessment via the ‘OPAL’ learning ladders allows staff to ‘precisely track each pupil’s steps of progress’, linking directly to education, health and care plans.
• Parents are ‘strong advocates for the school’, feeling ‘well informed and fully involved’ in their children’s education and care.
• The new ‘nurture’ pathway for pupils at early developmental stages shows ‘clear early signs’ of having a ‘significant impact on pupils’ learning and engagement’.

Areas to improve

• The school should ensure the new ‘nurture’ curriculum is fully ‘embedded so that pupils are supported to achieve the best possible outcomes’, as it is currently in its first year of existence.

Safeguarding

The report states that ‘the arrangements for safeguarding are effective’.