Ofsted recognises Oxclose Primary Academy’s inclusive culture and strong early years provision

Inspection report highlights the school’s commitment to helping every child feel welcome, supported and ready to learn.

Oxclose Primary Academy has been recognised by Ofsted for its highly inclusive culture, strong early years provision and effective support for pupils with additional needs, following an inspection in September 2026. 

The report identifies a strong standard in both early years and inclusion, highlighting the school’s commitment to understanding every child as an individual, removing barriers to learning and ensuring pupils feel safe, valued and able to succeed. 

Inspectors praised the school’s ambitious curriculum, the quality of support provided by skilled and caring staff, and the strong relationships developed with families and professionals. They also recognised the impact of Laidlaw Schools Trust’s investment in resources to support inclusion, including the school’s Skylight provisions. 

At the heart of the report is a clear message about the school’s ethos. Inspectors noted that Oxclose’s mantra that “everyone is welcome here” is consistently lived out, describing a school where every pupil is cherished, celebrated as an individual and supported to develop a secure sense of belonging. 

Audrey Bolam, Head Teacher of Oxclose Primary Academy, said: 

“We want every child who walks through our doors to feel that they belong, that they are understood and that anything is possible. Our role is to recognise the potential in every child and create the right opportunities for them to grow in confidence, discover their strengths and achieve things they may not have thought possible. 

 

“Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do, and it is wonderful to see this recognised in the report. This report is a wonderful recognition of the commitment of our whole staff team, the determination of our amazing pupils and the partnership we share with our families. We are proud of the progress our children make, not just in their learning, but in their independence, relationships and belief in themselves. That is what makes Oxclose Primary such a special place to learn and grow.” 

The report highlights the positive start children receive in the early years, where nurturing relationships, an ambitious curriculum and carefully planned activities help children develop confidence, communication skills and independence. Inspectors found that children achieve well, make sustained and consistent progress, and are well prepared for Year 1. 

Inclusion is another key strength. Inspectors recognised the school’s ability to identify barriers to learning and wellbeing quickly and put timely, tailored support in place. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities follow ambitious curriculum pathways, with skilled staff adapting teaching and provision to meet their needs. 

The report specifically recognises the work taking place in the school’s Skylight provisions, including The Nest and Discover Learning League, where carefully tailored support enables pupils to make secure and consistent progress from their starting points. 

Inspectors also highlighted improvements in early reading, including rapid and sustained improvements in disadvantaged pupils’ outcomes in the Year 1 phonics screening check. The report notes that disadvantaged pupils’ attainment in Key Stage 2 national tests is broadly in line with the national average. 

The positive contribution of staff was evident throughout the inspection. Inspectors described colleagues working collaboratively as ‘Team Oxclose’, supported by regular, high-quality training and a leadership team that prioritises staff development and wellbeing. 

Sally Newton, CEO of Laidlaw Schools Trust, said: 

“It is wonderful to see Ofsted recognise the impact of the inclusive practice taking place at Oxclose, including its Skylight provision. Oxclose is home to the Trust’s second Skylight Centre, and this report highlights the difference that carefully tailored support can make in helping pupils to thrive. 

 

“Skylight is about demonstrating inclusive mainstream education in action: creating an environment where children with additional needs are understood, supported and given the opportunity to achieve their potential as part of the wider school community. We would welcome other schools and colleagues in education to visit Oxclose and see this approach in practice, and how the right support can help every child feel that they belong and can succeed.” 

The report also celebrates the breadth of opportunities available to pupils beyond the classroom. Inclusive trips, residential visits, cultural experiences and extracurricular clubs help children broaden their horizons, develop resilience and discover new interests. Inspectors noted that these opportunities are accessible to all pupils, including those who attend the school’s additional resourced provision. 

The inspection recognises the school’s continuing work to improve further. Leaders have identified attendance and the consistency of teaching as priorities, with a focus on strengthening pupils’ attainment and ensuring they develop secure, detailed knowledge across the curriculum. 

The findings provide recognition of the commitment of Oxclose’s pupils, staff, families and leaders to building a school where every child is welcomed, understood and supported to thrive.