An Oxfordshire school which was rated inadequate after inspectors found weaknesses in safeguarding procedures has been rated good in its latest Ofsted report.
The Treehouse School in Cholsey, near Wallingford, received an overall “good” rating in its most recent assessment.
The primary school, which has a focus on outdoor learning and healthy lifestyles, has just 15 pupils who are taught in mixed-age classes.
It is an independent school but does not charge any fees, relying solely on charitable grants and donations.
In the Ofsted report, published this month following a November visit, inspector James Broadbridge praised the “flawless” behaviour of its pupils.
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He wrote: "Bullying has no place, and everyone is valued and included.
“Treehouse is one big family among everyone. Here, you will find happy pupils and nurturing staff. Parents give unequivocal praise about how their children thrive.
“From the youngest to the oldest, pupils’ relationships with each other are exceptional in lessons.”
The school was rated inadequate in 2019 due to failures in safeguarding.
In its latest Ofsted report inspectors said: "Leaders and trustees have transformed the safeguarding culture since the last inspection.
"They brought about key changes, including accessing training from the local authority. Designated safeguarding leads now have a clear understanding of their statutory responsibilities."
He said staff and volunteers raise concerns quickly and "there is a clear chronology of the actions leaders take to keep pupils safe".
"The right checks are carried out on any adult who may come into the school. Trustees’ oversight of safeguarding is robust."
He rated the quality of education good while adding: "In some subjects, leaders have not identified all the steps of knowledge.
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"Although staff are clear on the curriculum end points, there remains some ambiguity regarding what content should come first and then next."
Treehouse founders Lee Ryman and Sharon Julian both left roles at state schools 10 years ago to create the school.
Ms Ryman said: “I have fond memories of school as a child but know that sadly that isn’t the case for everybody.
"When we set up The Treehouse our goal was to create an environment in which all children would thrive.
"Our pupils are highly motivated and keen to learn - it is an absolute pleasure to teach them.”
She added: “We were determined to demonstrate that an alternative educational approach was possible and are delighted that the model has been approved by Ofsted.”
Charlie Clare, the school’s chair of trustees, said: “I am absolutely delighted that all the hard work and commitment of all those involved in creating this unique learning environment has been recognised."
The school is based in a detached former house in Wallingford Road, next door to the Red Lion pub but has secured a larger site nearby to increase capacity due to a growing waiting list.
Teaching at the new site will start when the funding for two new eco pods has been raised.
An existing eco pod is already in position and all three will be interconnected.
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This story was written by Miranda Norris, she joined the team in 2021 and covers news across Oxfordshire as well as news from Witney.
Get in touch with her by emailing: Miranda.Norris@newsquest.co.uk. Or find her on Twitter: @Mirandajnorris
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