Red Oak Primary School in Lowestoft has received very high praise following a monitoring visit by Ofsted.
The school, which is currently rated by Ofsted as ‘good’ was visited for an ungraded monitoring inspection on 17th and 18th May, where inspectors have found “enough evidence of improved performance to suggest that the school could be judged ‘outstanding’ if we were to carry out a graded inspection.”
The report celebrates the exceptional attitudes and exemplary behaviour of pupils as well as the range of opportunities available both within and outside of the curriculum.
Headteacher of Red Oak Primary School, Heather Madsen, said: “On behalf of everyone here at Red Oak I am immensely proud to have received this report. The whole team here works tirelessly to ensure all our pupils receive the very best start to their education and to have this recognised in such glowing terms is a wonderful achievement for us all to share”.
The report highlights the pupils’ enjoyment of the curriculum, stating that they “aim high and respond positively to the high expectations set, where everyone has the opportunity to excel.”
“Pupils enjoy learning because lessons are relevant and engaging” it adds.
The school’s aspirational vision for all pupils, irrespective of their background or ability is highlighted by inspectors, who observe that “in all subjects and year groups, leaders have designed clear and ambitious curriculum plans.”
Reading is another area of focus in the report, which notes that “leaders’ commitment to teaching pupils to read begins as soon as children start in early years. There is a consistently well-delivered phonics programme in place. All staff are trained to teach phonics and are highly successful in engaging and developing pupils as readers.”
Effective safeguarding measures at the school are also highlighted in the report, with inspectors commenting that “Leaders have created a culture of vigilance.”
“Staff know individual pupils very well. As a result, they recognise any signs of concern at an early stage and report these quickly. Leaders deal with concerns promptly and effectively” it continues.
The report praises the school’s commitment to providing a diverse range of extra-curricular clubs for pupils. The inspectors found that “the high volume of extra-curricular club opportunities enjoyed by pupils are varied. Alongside several sports clubs, pupils can enjoy film, cooking, mathematics and philosophy clubs, and many more. Pupils’ passion for these activities is clear. They benefit immensely from being an integral part of the school and wider community.”
Chief Executive Officer at The Active Learning Trust, Lynsey Holzer, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Red Oak continues to be a good school and that inspectors could find no areas for improvement. This emphasises the huge commitment, dedication and expertise shared between the Headteacher and her team at the school.”
Lynsey added: “Reports as overwhelmingly positive as this are rare and are only gained by schools that are offering an exceptionally high level of education and a truly positive, all-round school experience to their pupils. Congratulations to everyone at Red Oak. I look forward to an exciting future ahead for the whole school community.”
