OA - Cambridge

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 5 July 2022

Pupils settle quickly in the school's small 'family' community. They build good relationships with their teachers and are confident that school is a safe place. While bullying sometimes happens, they know that staff will sort any problems out quickly. There is always someone they can talk to if they are worried. Many pupils join the school feeling that their previous educational experiences have been failures. Over time, pupils trust in the support offered by staff and become more motivated to learn. They feel they are listened to and supported, and so typically enjoy the learning programmes designed to meet their individual needs. Pupils take part in a range of academic, vocational and outdoor studies. Opportunities to gain awards, including GCSEs, supported by relevant careers information, prepares pupils to take the next steps to further education, employment and/or training at the end of Year 11. Most pupils improve their attendance. They are helped by staff and other professionals to make positive choices. As a result, they develop strategies to self- regulate their behaviour. Pupils learn important life skills, such as how to keep safe, to form healthy relationships, to manage finances and to cook simple meals.

What the school should improve

• Although the quality of education is good overall, the implementation of curriculum changes in a few areas is still developing. Assessment is not always effective in identifying the detail of what pupils need to do to improve. Leaders should ensure that they expedite the final stages of planned curriculum development so that pupils are well supported and achieve equally well in all subjects.
• While most pupils make significant improvements in their attendance, a few do not attend as regularly as they should. This limits their ability to achieve well. Leaders should continue to work closely with individuals, parents and professionals to ensure all pupils attend regularly, so they make the best use of the fresh start the provision offers.

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