Ofsted tells Lewisham school it must sort out absence rates and low pupil achievement

The school in Deptford was also praised for a number of its attributes including how it prioritises reading and makes children feel like they belong there

A South London primary school has been told to address its high absence rates and low pupil achievement following a recent Ofsted inspection.

Twin Oaks Primary School in Deptford, Lewisham was visited by inspectors in January when they found too many children were not attending school regularly, which was negatively impacting their achievement.

Inspectors found pupils’ outcomes in national tests in reading, writing and mathematics at the end of key stage 2 were well below the national average, while some pupils across the school continue to have gaps in their foundational skills.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) contacted Twin Oaks for comment but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

In a report published by Ofsted on April 28, inspectors said leaders at the school are beginning to improve rates of “persistent absence”, though it remains high.

Inspectors said there is a clear and incisive understanding of individual pupils and their barriers to attending, however the school’s attendance data is not analysed enough to understand the impact of their strategies.

Ofsted inspectors have placed both achievement, and attendance and behaviour under ‘needs attention’ and have advised the school to take “swift, decisive action” to tackle school absences.

Five other key assessment areas including curriculum and teaching, early years, inclusion, leadership and governance and personal development and wellbeing have been placed under ‘expected standard’, which indicate the school is doing everything it should be in those areas.

On curriculum and teaching, inspectors said leaders have designed a curriculum that is broad and ambitious across all subjects. They said children quickly learn their letters and sounds, and if they fall behind they are well supported to catch up.

‘Every child is made to feel they belong’

On early years, inspectors said children are safe and well cared for. Staff develop positive relationships with parents and carers, who are welcomed into the school at the beginning of the day.

When it came to inclusion, inspectors said: “Leaders ensure that every child at Twin Oaks is made to feel that they belong. Leaders swiftly identify individual needs as soon as pupils join the school.

“Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities [SEND] are valued members of the school community. Leaders ensure that targeted support is carefully put in place so pupils can overcome barriers to their learning or wellbeing.”

They added: “Leaders provide highly effective support to pupils and families known to social care, drawing on a range of other professional expertise when it is appropriate. They have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the children and their families.”

Inspectors went on to say pupils at the school are greeted warmly by leaders and staff every day, and that staff want the best for pupils. They added: “The curriculum is broad and rich. Reading is given the highest priority. Pupils enjoy visiting the well-stocked library. This helps to develop their love of stories and books.

“Pupils enjoy taking part in the range of clubs, such as choir and sports clubs. Leaders make sure that pupils who are unable to take part in after-school clubs are able to enjoy the clubs on offer at lunchtime.”

Inspectors have told leaders they should ensure high-quality teaching is embedded across the school so that all pupils make strong progress and achieve well across the curriculum.

They went on to say leaders should ensure teachers create opportunities for pupils to apply their writing skills consistently in all subjects across the curriculum.

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