Oakley School

Overview

Evidence from this ungraded inspection suggests the school’s work “may have improved significantly” since the previous inspection, prompting a future graded inspection. The report describes a “profoundly happy and respectful atmosphere” where pupils are supported by a “total communication” approach and an “ambitious and exciting” curriculum tailored to their complex needs.

Strengths

• The curriculum is “meticulously tailored” to individual learning needs, using three pathways to ensure activities are “motivational, purposeful and fun.”
• Staff possess “strong subject knowledge” and routinely access training in areas such as autism, Makaton, and positive behaviour, ensuring they know each pupil “very well.”
• Reading provision is highly effective, with staff well-trained in phonics and resourceful in engaging pupils through creative methods like sensory stories and library visits.
• Pupils achieve well, demonstrating progress towards education, health and care plan targets and gaining functional skills accreditations.
• Leaders are described as “inspirational” with an “unwavering commitment” to providing the best possible education, while remaining mindful of staff workload.

Areas to improve

The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”