Oxenhope School staff, pupils and governors are celebrating after being graded Good and Outstanding in all areas at their recent Ofsted inspection.
The inspection, involving three inspectors from Ofsted, was comprehensive and rigorous, and the result is a glowing report on the work of all areas of the school including the quality of education, leadership and management and behaviour and attitudes of students.
The report opens by commending how “the school’s values of love, growth and community are central to the life of the school”, praising how adults are ambitious yet show great share for pupils. The report observed how school “create a warm and supportive environment where pupils feel safe. Visitors feel this nurturing atmosphere as soon as they walk through the door”.
The report then goes on to praise “the high expectations for learning and behaviour” and ‘the ambitious and well thought out curriculum’ at the school, praising how the children ‘learn well and build their knowledge over time’.
Behaviour was highlighted as a strength. They inspectors commented on the “calm and positive” behaviour of the pupils in lessons and around the school stating “Pupils understand the school rules, rewards and consequences. They are polite and respectful”. Regarding pupils with SEND, inspectors found that they ‘achieve well’ and SEND needs ‘are quickly and accurately identified. Staff identify precise targets and check progress carefully.’
Throughout the report high praise was given about the school approach to Personal Development. Inspectors were keen to say that this was an outstanding feature of the school which ‘ensures that all pupils are prepared for future success.’ The report highlighted “Pupils have an exceptional understanding of British Values, equality and diversity” and praised the extra-curricular opportunities available including visits, letter writing and the “Reggae project”.
Leaders were commended for their management of the school including their work to support staff wellbeing and workload. Governors and leaders from Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust were praised for their “consistent approach while enabling the school to focus on the needs of its community”.
Mrs Alice Jones, Headteacher at Oxenhope C of E Primary School, said: “I could not be prouder of our children and staff. Oxenhope is a school which aims to give every student the best possible start and this report highlights that and more. Our children are amazing and inspectors noted this when they visited and quite rightly as they are the ones who make the school such a wonderful place to learn and work. The report also recognises the quality of the staff at the school, who are creative, caring and tenacious in their approach to proving the best. They go above and beyond the call of duty in order to create an environment where children want to do well and feel cared for. I am incredibly lucky to work with such a wonderful team of professionals. Finally, I would like to thank BDAT and our school Governors for the invaluable support and loyalty they give the school.’
Carol Dewhurst OBE CEO, BDAT, said: “This report reflects the caring yet ambitious ethos of Oxenhope Primary school, a school dedicated to making sure every child gets a great quality education plus excellent opportunities to thrive and grow during their time at school. Staff have worked relentlessly over time to support and develop their provision, especially their personal development offer which secured the highest recognition from OFSTED. Well done to everyone who has contributed to this outcome”.
Kevin Campbell-Wright, Chair of Governors said: “Oxenhope prides itself on being central to the community, a place where children can be nurtured and grow. This OFSTED report shows that inspectors experienced this literally from the moment they walked through the door, in classrooms and our nature area. It’s testament to the leadership, staff, parents and children that they make our vision a reality every day.”
To read the full report, please click here