Oak Field Primary School celebrates positive Estyn inspection
Oak Field Primary School was praised in a recent Estyn report for its welcoming, inclusive, and nurturing environment.
The inspection, which took place in February 2025, highlighted the school’s commitment to well-being, community involvement, and a curriculum designed to engage and inspire learners.
Oak Field Primary School received positive feedback in a number of areas, including:
- The school’s caring and inclusive culture where learners feel safe, happy, and valued
- Its strong connections with the wider community
- The school’s close work with a range of agencies to support families, which has had a positive impact on attendance and parents’ engagement with the school
- Opportunities to work with local artists, overseas trips and regular visits to working farms that provide authentic opportunities for learning
- The school’s exciting and engaging curriculum which enables learners to lead their learning and develop their creative skills
Cllr Rhiannon Birch, Cabinet Member for Education, Arts and the Welsh Language, said: “This positive Estyn report is a true reflection of Oak Field Primary School’s commitment to providing an outstanding education in a safe, happy and inclusive environment for all learners.
“Oak Field continues to play a key role in the local community in Gibbonsdown, and I am confident that the school will continue to thrive and make a positive impact on the lives of its learners.
“I would like to congratulate all involved for this well-deserved feedback in this assessment.”
The Estyn report read: “Oak Field Primary School is a welcoming, happy, and inclusive school that is truly at the heart of its community. The school has developed a caring and inclusive culture where pupils and families feel safe, happy, and valued. This environment supports nearly all pupils to develop positive attitudes to learning and behaviour. Pupil well-being is a priority for the school. This means that nearly all pupils take a pride in their school and appreciate the warm environment into which they are welcomed.
“Leaders and staff have worked successfully to develop a vision for the school that is relevant to the needs of the pupils and the local community. They work closely with a range of agencies to support families, and this has had a positive impact on attendance and parents’ engagement with the school.”
Inspectors also noted that: “The curriculum is engaging and exciting with inquiry questions used successfully to enable pupils to lead their learning and develop their creative skills. Opportunities to work with local artists, overseas trips and regular visits to working farms provide authentic opportunities for pupils’ learning. Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities and leadership roles, but their role in the school’s development and decision-making processes is at an early stage of development.”
Headteacher Luke Tweedley said: “We are absolutely delighted with the findings of the Estyn inspection. The report reflects the hard work and commitment of our staff, pupils, and the entire school community. It is particularly pleasing to see recognition of the positive attitudes to learning and behaviour displayed by nearly all our children. At Oak Field, we strive to provide a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where every child can flourish.
“We are truly at the heart of the Gibbonsdown community, and this report is a testament to the strength of that community spirit. Our goal is to continue striving for excellence, ensuring that every child receives the support and opportunities they need to thrive.”
Chair of Governors Mark Kerby said: "The Governing Body are thrilled to share that Oak Field Primary School has been recognised for its many successes and positive impact on pupils, families, and the wider Gibbonsdown community in its recent Estyn inspection. The inspectors commended the school’s commitment to nurturing pupils’ wellbeing and learning, highlighting the caring environment, high expectations, and the wide range of experiences that support every child’s growth and development.
“We extend heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff, members of the governing body, volunteers, and of course, our supportive parents and carers who contribute to making Oak Field a place where every child is valued and inspired to achieve.”