Pupils achieve well at Oldfield Park Infant School in Bath, and staff are proud to work there, says Ofsted.
Oldfield Park Infant School in Dorset Close | Image © Google Street View / Google 2025
Following a recent visit, the inspector has published a report saying effective action has been taken to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection in 2019, when the school was judged to be Good.
Since last September, schools have not been awarded an overall effectiveness grade.
The infant school in Dorset Close is part of Palladian Academy Trust and has 178 pupils.
The inspection report says: “Pupils feel a strong sense of belonging at this welcoming school. Staff encourage pupils to make a difference to the school community.
“For example, pupils vote for the playground equipment to purchase to enhance their social times.
“Staff enable pupils to realise the school’s vision of ‘together we learn’ through the school’s ‘learning promise’.
The school is said to have “high expectations” for pupils’ achievements and ensures they get the support they need to help build their knowledge. Consequently, pupils attain well.
There is praise for the well-designed curriculum, with pupils achieving well from their starting points; teachers have secure subject knowledge and reading is a high priority.
The inspector continues: “The school has created a praiseworthy culture of inclusivity. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported to learn the curriculum well. Their needs are identified quickly and accurately.
“The school works determinedly with feeder nurseries to help children make a successful start. The tailored support from highly trained staff means pupils with SEND across the school progress well through the curriculum.”
The school is also praised for thinking carefully about how to develop pupils to be ready for junior school.
They are said to develop confidence when performing at dance and choir events. The many clubs on offer, such as gardening, cooking and art, develop their interests, and they learn about future career options through exciting role-playing opportunities.
The report also highlights that trust leaders and those responsible for governance have an accurate understanding of the school. They provide effective support and challenge. Staff are said to be proud to work there.
To improve, the trust has been told to make sure it tackles pupil handwriting errors and develops staff expertise to check how well pupils are learning.
