OA - Nene Valley

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 9 June 2026

This school changes pupils lives. Pupils at this school feel safe, valued and understood. They join here with a wide range of complex needs, vulnerabilities and challenging or traumatic experiences. They come here with low confidence and low self belief, often having missed a lot of education or experienced highly disrupted education. Over time they rebuild trust in adults and develop positive relationships with others. They begin to enjoy learning and start to see a positive future for themselves. Pupils achieve well because staff identify all of their barriers quickly. They provide expert and precise support at the right time. Consequently, pupils improve their reading, writing and mathematics knowledge and access a broad range of academic and vocational qualifications. Pupils develop confidence in lessons and engage positively and consistently through the school. They become self aware and able to plan for their future. Pupils are well prepared for their next steps in education, employment or training. Pupils know that they belong here. They feel that sense of belonging. Relationships between pupils and staff are warm, respectful and supportive. Pupils who previously struggled with engaging in school life build the skills needed to take part in all that happens at the school. Subsequently, benefitting from what the school has to offer. Staff help pupils develop self confidence, resilience and independence. This is solidified through the range of wider experiences pupils take part in. All of which helps them to understand the world and prepare for adult life. Pupils behave extremely well. They understand the school's high expectations. Staff provide consistent support to help pupils to manage their emotions and regulate their behaviour. Bullying and discrimination are dealt with quickly and effectively. Attendance of pupils improves dramatically from often extremely low starting points. This is because pupils feel safe and enjoy school. They trust that the adults around them only want the best for them.

What the school should improve

• Leaders and governors should ensure that curriculum implementation is continually reviewed and improved leading to sustained, positive outcomes for all pupils.

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