Oldbrook First School and Nursery

Overview

Oldbrook First School and Nursery continues to be a good school, characterised by an "inclusive and welcoming culture" where pupils feel "special, valued and safe." Leaders successfully combine "high academic aspirations" with "strength of care, nurture and love," fostering positive relationships that support effective learning and behaviour.

Strengths

• The curriculum is "ambitious across all subjects," with leaders prioritising a "varied and exciting educational experience" that lays "firm foundations for lifelong learning."
• Reading is a top priority; staff are "well trained in delivering the systematic phonics programme," ensuring pupils become "confident and fluent readers" through precisely matched books and extra help for those falling behind.
• Staff have "consistently high expectations for pupils’ learning and behaviour," resulting in pupils who are "considerate" and show "respect for each other and their teachers."
• Leaders prioritise personal development, teaching pupils how to "stay safe and healthy" while promoting "difference and raises cultural awareness" through celebrating diverse festivals.
• Staff workload and well-being are valued, with leaders ensuring these are "always taken into consideration," contributing to positive staff morale.

Areas to improve

• In a few subjects, leaders have not yet "precisely identified the essential knowledge" pupils should learn, meaning curriculum planning is not yet coherently sequenced across all areas.
• Teachers’ checks on learning in foundation subjects are "not precise enough," preventing learning from being fully tailored to what pupils already know; assessment approaches need refining to identify gaps.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a "strong culture of vigilance," comprehensive staff training, and timely referrals to external agencies.