Oaktree School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 July 2023

Pupils like coming to this school. They get on well with staff and the other pupils. From the moment pupils arrive in the morning, they approach their lessons with energy and enthusiasm. Relationships at the school are warm and positive. Pupils feel safe and they know who they can talk to if they are worried about anything. Leaders are quick to sort out any unkind behaviour, including any rare instances of bullying. Leaders expect all pupils to work hard and to become as independent as possible. As well as academic subjects, pupils learn important social and communication skills so that they are prepared for their future life after school. Pupils learn how to keep physically fit and healthy, to look after their mental health and well-being and to become more confident. Pupils are also taught about the world of work, including horticulture, animal care, media work and hospitality. The school is a calm and settled environment. Occasionally, pupils need help to manage their emotions, but this does not happen very often. If a pupil does need help with their behaviour this is provided in a calm and sensitive way to minimise disruption to learning.

What the school should improve

• Sometimes, pupils' journey through the curriculum is not closely matched to what they need to learn next as a priority. This means that some pupils do not gain all of the skills and knowledge they need to move on. Leaders should fine-tune the curriculum so that pupils can follow a flexible route through it, concentrating on the most important bits of learning.

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