Oatlands Infant School

Overview

Oatlands Infant School is described as an inclusive environment where pupils "thrive" and are "proud to be a part" of the community. The report highlights an "exceptional" approach to developing pupils’ character, with staff providing "highly nurturing" relationships and a curriculum that prepares children well for their next stage of learning.

Strengths

• Personal development is rated Outstanding, with "unity days" and assemblies deepening pupils’ understanding of "equalities and fairness".
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are "well supported" and "thrive academically and socially" due to bespoke support and staff expertise.
• Children make a "strong start" in the early years, displaying independence and benefiting from outdoor opportunities that develop "large-muscle strength".
• There is a "love of reading" across the school, with staff using "expert knowledge" to help children learn to read "quickly and fluently".
• Staff workload is managed well, and the school fosters a "welcoming and friendly environment" where pupils are "confident to be themselves".

Areas to improve

• The school must ensure the writing curriculum is fully embedded, as pupils currently lack "high-quality opportunities to practise their writing skills", leading to slower development in fluency and accuracy.
• Leaders need to review how they evaluate the impact of recent widespread changes, as the "rate of change" has prevented necessary checks to assure intended impact on learning.

Safeguarding

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