St Oswald's CofE Academy

Overview

St Oswald’s CofE Academy is described as an “improving school” where “expectations have risen considerably” since the previous inspection. The report highlights that the school is now a “calmer place” where pupils are “valued for their individuality” and “rise to the school’s expectations.” Leadership is characterised as “driven, compassionate and resolute,” having successfully transformed the educational establishment.

Strengths

• The curriculum has improved significantly, with teachers having “clarity over what to teach and when to teach it,” allowing pupils to build understanding “in a logical way.”
• Phonics teaching is a “top priority” with staff receiving “ongoing training,” and pupils read books “very well matched to their ability.”
• Children in the Nursery get an “excellent start” in a “highly stimulating setting” where staff effectively develop language and communication.
• Pupils behave well, showing respect and celebrating differences, supported by clear rules and positive reinforcement like “golden tickets.”
• Older pupils act as “buddies” on the playground, supporting younger children and fostering a “happy school” atmosphere.

Areas to improve

• The school must establish effective ways to support pupils who “struggle to keep up with the pace of the phonics programme” to prevent them from falling behind.
• Staff need to identify the needs of all pupils with SEND “with precision” to ensure barriers to learning are accurately addressed and adapted for.
• The school should continue working with families to improve attendance rates for the “most vulnerable pupils” who are “regularly absent for long periods.”

Safeguarding

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