St Oswalds Church in Wales VA School

Overview

St Oswald’s is described as a “nurturing place” where pupils enjoy school and are proud of their “reassuring learning environment.” While many pupils make good progress and achieve well, the report notes that “over direction by adults stifles opportunities for pupils to develop their independent learning skills.”

Strengths

• Pupils receive a “sincere welcome” and benefit from staff who “take very good care of the pupils.”
• The school offers a “variety of school experiences” that keep pupils interested and make learning exciting.
• Pupils demonstrate “excellent behaviour” and respect for everyone in the school and community.
• The headteacher provides “strong and compassionate leadership” and values the opinions of staff, pupils, parents, and governors.
• Staff and senior leaders form an “effective, successful team” built on mutual trust.

Areas to improve

• Address the health and safety issue raised during the inspection.
• Strengthen opportunities to develop pupils’ independent learning skills, including when using the outdoors.
• Develop feedback to better support pupils in making progress, as it currently focuses too often on correcting basic mistakes.

Safeguarding

The report identifies a specific health and safety issue that requires immediate attention, recommending the school address this matter as part of its action plan.