Oakfield Primary School Praised By Ofsted After Difficult Few Years

An Isle of Wight primary school is "flourishing" after some difficult years and a previous threat of closure, according to Ofsted inspectors.

Oakfield Church of England Primary School in Ryde was rated as meeting the expected standard across areas including attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, early years, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing.

Inspectors particularly praised the strength of pupils' reading, with children enjoying a wide range of books both individually and together.

The report did, however, say pupils' achievement needs attention, noting that the school has an above-average number of disadvantaged children.

Headteacher Vikki Reader said Oakfield had experienced a "particularly challenging" few years.

She said the report reflects a school that is "joyful, caring and inclusive", where children are at the centre of every decision.

Ofsted found pupils are happy and enjoy school, behave well in lessons and during social times, and generally attend well.

Children with special educational needs and disabilities were also praised for receiving the support they need to learn alongside their peers.

Inspectors highlighted Oakfield's nursery and reception provision, as well as the wide range of opportunities available to pupils, including outdoor learning and nature-based education.

However, Ofsted said pupils do not achieve as well as they could over time and that leaders should ensure gaps in key knowledge in writing are addressed quickly.

Teaching should also consistently identify gaps and tackle misconceptions during lessons, the report said.

In a letter to parents, Mrs Reader said the inspection followed three previous "requires improvement" judgements under the former framework and "an exceptionally difficult period during which the school's future was questioned".

She said staff, governors, children and families had remained committed to the school throughout that period and that the latest report "means an enormous amount" to the Oakfield team.

She added that, most importantly, it recognises a school where children are "understood, included and cared for".