Oakfield Primary Academy

September 2025 – March 2026. Based on the current Good rating and 25 months since the last inspection, the school is within the expected re-inspection window. The board should ensure governance evidence is current.

This is a positive governance commentary. The board should maintain evidence of ongoing challenge and strategic oversight to support the next inspection.

All filings are current. The trust's confirmation statement and annual accounts are up to date. No discrepancies between Companies House director records and GIAS governor data.

• Financial benchmarking data not published on website
• Admissions appeal arrangements page needs updating for 2025-26
• Curriculum page missing intent statement for PE
• Charging and remissions policy dated 2023, due for review

Per-pupil expenditure is £240 above the national average for similar primary schools. The teaching staff proportion of total expenditure (78%) is above the national median, suggesting the school may be staffing generously relative to income. The 8.2% revenue reserve is healthy and above the 5.4% national median, providing a financial buffer. Supply spend is marginally above average.

Pupil numbers have been stable over 3 years, fluctuating between 208 and 212. The projected September intake of 28 against a PAN of 30 suggests continued healthy demand. There is no financial risk from pupil numbers at present. The school has headroom for 30 additional pupils.

Maths is a clear strength with progress well above the national average (+1.1). Reading is broadly in line. Writing is the area requiring focus, with both attainment (68% vs 71%) and progress (-0.4) below national figures. The combined RWM measure (62%) is above the national average (60%), which is a positive headline figure.

• 1:1 reading tutoring (Year 3–4)
• Speech and language support (EYFS–Y2)
• Breakfast club provision

90% of the Pupil Premium allocation has been deployed. The reading gap is closing, which is positive. However, the writing gap has widened from -7% in Autumn to -9% this term, which requires urgent board attention. Maths remains stable. The board should ask what additional writing interventions are planned for PP-eligible pupils.

The SEND register represents 16% of the school population, broadly in line with national averages. 6 of 8 annual reviews have been completed (75%), with the remaining 2 scheduled for next half term. The SENCO holds the National Award for SEN Co-ordination (NASENCO), completed in 2022. No immediate concerns, but the board should confirm the 2 outstanding reviews will be completed before the end of term.

The curriculum update shows proactive action on phonics and cultural representation. However, KS2 writing remains the area of concern, directly linking to the -0.4 progress score in the performance data. The appointment of a new writing lead in January is a positive step, but the board should be asking for evidence of early impact by the end of this term.

All statutory compliance checks are current. The 3 incidents this term were all minor (first aid level) with no RIDDOR-reportable events. Two fire drills have been completed this term. No health and safety concerns to escalate to the board.

Two complaints were received this term, both resolved at Stage 1. The themes (curriculum communication and lunchtime supervision) do not indicate systemic issues. No complaints have progressed beyond Stage 1 this academic year.