Lift Offa's Mead

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 4 October 2022

Offa's Mead Academy is a welcoming and inclusive school. The school's mission, 'to enable our pupils to lead remarkable lives,' is at the core of leaders' work. Leaders have high expectations of what pupils can achieve. Pupils appreciate the opportunities provided for them both inside and outside the classroom. Pupils say that they feel safe and value their friendships. They form secure relationships with adults. Staff know their pupils and families well, including the most vulnerable. Most parents and carers are positive about the school's work and the nurturing pastoral support it provides. Pupils show respect for staff and each other. They behave well in lessons. Low-level disruption is rare. Pupils understand what is expected of them. They know what bullying is and say that it does not happen. Pupils are confident that, if it happened, staff would deal with it quickly. Pupils develop a positive understanding of tolerance and respect. Leaders' careful curriculum planning enables pupils to learn about individuality and acceptance. They see everyone as equal. Pupils talk confidently about what they are learning. They understand that it is good to be different and say that they are 'all unique'.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects in the wider curriculum, teaching does not help pupils to build on what they already know and can do. As a result, some pupils do not retain key concepts. Leaders should ensure that teaching provides pupils with suitable opportunities to deepen and embed their learning over time.
• In early years, children do not have sufficient practice to help them build on what they know and can do. As a result, children are not as well prepared for Year 1 as they should be. Leaders need to ensure that children have opportunities to apply what they have learned across a range of experiences so they are ready for the next stage in their education.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)