St Oswald's CofE Primary School

Overview

St Oswald’s CofE Primary School delivers a high-quality education where pupils achieve well and are “well prepared for the next stage of their education.” The report highlights an “ambitious curriculum” and a “highly effective culture of inclusion,” with staff demonstrating secure subject knowledge and high expectations. While most aspects of school life are rated at a strong standard, attendance remains an area requiring focused improvement.

Strengths

• Pupils achieve well across the school, with “particularly impressive” outcomes for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs.
• Reading is a strength, with staff teaching phonics “consistently and with fidelity” and providing effective interventions for those needing support.
• The early years provision is effective, helping children make “substantial gains” and establishing a “firm foundation for later success.”
• Personal development is a significant strength, with pupils demonstrating “confidence, resilience” and a mature understanding of diversity and respect.
• Staff benefit from “high-quality professional development” and a supportive culture that values workload management and well-being.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should ensure expectations for handwriting are implemented “consistently across the school” so presentation matches other curriculum standards.
• Curriculum implementation must remain “consistently strong across all subjects and classes.”
• Effective strategies are needed to reduce persistent absence, as “too many pupils who miss school too often.”

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an “open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility” and concerns actively managed to ensure pupils feel safe.