Oasis Academy Warndon is ‘Outstanding’!

Parents, pupils and staff at Oasis Academy Warndon, Worcester, are celebrating today after Ofsted judged the school to be ‘Outstanding,’ the highest possible rating. 

In a report published by Ofsted following an inspection in November last year, OA Warndon is described as providing an ‘Outstanding’ quality of education in Early Years and across all year groups, with ‘Outstanding’ behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

Inspectors are full of praise for all aspects of the school’s work. A highlight is the academy’s approach to the curriculum, which has an overarching focus on developing each pupil’s character, their competence and their knowledge and engagement with their community. The report explains that: 

“Pupils are excited about learning at this school. This ranges from children in the Nursery, when in awe about the first moon landing, to pupils in Year 6, when fully involved in discussing the industrial revolution in history.”

“Teaching staff successfully adapt teaching so that the curriculum is accessible to all. Consequently, pupils behave exceptionally well in lessons and around the school.”

The children are praised for their approach to school, and the academy for the teaching and learning environment that has been created so that everyone can achieve their best:

“Pupils’ outstanding attitudes and highly positive relationships are underpinned by leaders’ high expectations and the ‘nine habits’, described as the ‘Warndon Way’. These include compassion, consideration, and forgiveness. Pupils said they welcome others from different backgrounds as an opportunity to celebrate difference.”

Inspectors also commended the school’s care for its staff and wider community beyond the pupils. The school supports children and parents significantly through the academy’s Community Hub which advises on healthy eating and financial management, as well as providing food parcels and vouchers.

Meanwhile leaders place “very high importance on staff workload, well-being and training. Their research-based approach considers tasks that can be removed or reduced, such as assessment procedures. The staff survey was overwhelmingly positive about how leaders consider the mental health and well-being of staff. Pupils’ responses were equally favourable.”

Commenting on the report, Principal Suzanne Owen says: “We are delighted to receive this report from Ofsted which confirms what our community already knows – this is a school that is passionate about every child being given the opportunity to learn and flourish.”

“We are only able to provide our pupils a teaching and learning environment like this because of the continual hard work and dedication of our staff and volunteers both in the academy and Community Hub, and the support and encouragement of our parents and pupils. We are very grateful to them all.”