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Dear Consultee

Consultation on the proposal to open a SEND Unit at  Overdale Infant School from January 2026

Academy Trusts proposing to make a “significant change” to schools are required to undertake a fair and open local consultation for a period of four weeks.

The purpose of this consultation is to seek the views of parents, carers and other interested stakeholders on the proposal:

To open a SEND unit within the grounds of Overdale Infant School.

The public consultation on the proposal will run from 09/06/2025 until midday on Monday 07/07/2025.

Since the introduction of the Children & Families Act in 2014, Leicestershire has seen an increase in the number of Education, Health & Care (EHC) Assessments, which has resulted in a significant increase in the number of EHC plans (EHCP) maintained by the Local Authority. Some of the increase has been caused by the age range being extended from 2 to 19 years to 0–25 years, but not all is due to this age range increase. The increase in requests for assessment since 2014 has been over 77% higher than before the Children’s & Families Act was introduced.

The SEND Code of Practice 2014 provides statutory guidance on duties, policies and procedures relating to Part 3 of the Children and Families Act 2014 and associated regulations.  It focusses on early intervention, parental engagement and inclusion.

Following reviews by Leicester City Council and the local authority of the provision for the Special Educational Needs (SEN) for children in the city, their vision for education providers is to follow an inclusive approach to all children. To support this, The OAK Multi Academy Trust propose to open a Primary SEN unit at the Overdale schools site from 01/01/2026. The site of the unit will be within the grounds of Overdale Infant School.

The school will be commissioned to provide a unit as an offer beyond that of mainstream provision.

A bespoke package of support within the specialist unit will be the most appropriate provision for pupils in the unit. The aim of the provision is to ensure the continued education of young people in a supportive, positive, achievement-focused environment. This will enable them to achieve in line with their ability and make progress against the outcomes within their Education, Health & Care Plan.

Staff who have the appropriate skills, knowledge and training to support pupils to access this bespoke package will ensure a high-quality curriculum which includes an element of integration with the infant and junior schools where appropriate.

The service will provide education and support placements of up to 20 full-time pupils at any one time. Commissioned places are as follows:

• Number: 20 in total.  This will be phased: in the first year, 10 places will be available. This will increase to 20 places in a phased manner over a maximum of 36 months.
• Age range: 4-11
• Pupils will work within stage rather than age-based criteria whilst attending the unit. To support inclusion, pupils in chronological years 3 to 6 will have provision at Overdale Junior School.

The service will be for young people who require support with appropriate issues which are identified as communication and interaction. The majority of the time will be spent within the SEND unit with additional, appropriate integration as determined by the leadership of the unit and school. The pupils may be able to progress into another DSP or mainstream education setting with timely and appropriate interventions.

Access to the placements into the school will be made via the Local Authority. Leicester City Council and the school will approve applications through a joint panel process. For clarity, attending Overdale Infant or Junior school does not have any bearing on admission to the SEND unit as this admission process is via the local authority.

School Settings

Overdale Infant School has identified two self-contained classrooms within the boundaries of the school that can be used, and an area of outside space at the rear of these classrooms dedicated to the children for physical activity.

It is important to note that neither school will be affected by the implementation of the resource base nor will the current offer to children be impacted.

Staffing

Qualified, experienced staff members will be employed specifically to work in the resource base.  The leadership team will be supported by advice and guidance from OAK Multi Academy Trust and a leadership network from the appropriate specialists within the Trust.

The team will work closely with the Headteachers and act in the best interest of the schools and pupils. The local authority provides the funds for the running of the unit, so no money will be diverted from school budgets.

This document is also available to read on Overdale Junior School’s website and OAK Multi Academy Trust website.

Who are we consulting with?

During this consultation period, we want to seek representations from:

• Parents and carers of children already attending the school
• Parents of any other children
• School staff
• Local Primary Schools
• Anyone else who might be affected by the proposed change

What happens next?

This consultation will run until midday on Monday 07/07/2025.

The Senior Leadership at both schools, alongside Leicester City Council, will consider the results of the consultation and decide whether to refer the proposed opening of the SEND Unit to the Department for Education for approval.

How to respond

You are invited to submit comments in writing using the Stakeholder Response form below about the proposal above via email, by post or hand deliver to:

Yours sincerely

H.Holmes                                                                   M. Evans

Mrs Hayley Holmes                                                   Mr Matt Evans

Headteacher                                                              Headteacher

Overdale Infant School                                            Overdale Junior School

Stakeholder Response Form Overdale Junior School 

Stakeholder Response Form Overdale Infant School 

Every year, our pupils amaze us with their creativity—and 2025 promises to be no different! The OAK Multi-Academy Trust’s much-loved 500 Word Competition is back, celebrating storytelling across our schools.

The initiative brings together Year 2 and Year 6 pupils from across the trust, encouraging them to craft original stories of up to 500 words on any theme they choose. After the SATs exams, schools run their own judging rounds, with headteachers nominating standout entries to go forward to the cross-trust final.

Those selected are celebrated in a beautifully illustrated, professionally designed book—copies of which are shared with each school and given to the winning pupils. The competition culminates in a celebration event at College Court Conference Centre, which this year will take place on Thursday 3rd July 2025.

At the event, pupils, staff and families gather to enjoy readings of the winning entries and see the overall winners receive their prizes—including trophies, book vouchers, and a copy of the published anthology.

This marks the fourth year of the competition, and the standard continues to rise. Previous editions have featured dragons, magical forests, zombie apocalypses and journeys through space, all imagined and written by children across our trust.

We can’t wait to see what this year’s young authors create!

Last year’s book can be viewed here.

OAK Multi Academy Trust has received high praise in a recent external governance progress review conducted by the National Governance Association (NGA), highlighting the Trust’s significant strides in leadership, accountability, and strategic growth.

The report, authored by NGA consultant George Craig, commended OAK’s governance as “highly effective at all levels”, citing strong ethical leadership, impactful decision-making, and a culture of continuous improvement. This follows a year of targeted development after an earlier review, during which the Trust has strengthened its board structure, deepened local collaboration, and embedded more robust systems for oversight and performance.

Among the many areas of progress noted in the review were:

• Improved board structure and performance: The introduction of a comprehensive governance handbook, enhanced trustee recruitment, and a more diverse and skilled board have helped build a stronger, more resilient governance framework.
• Enhanced committee effectiveness: With dispersed leadership and better-prepared members, committee work is now more purposeful and impactful.
• Strong ethical and community leadership: Trustees and governors are praised for their understanding of, and responsiveness to, the communities they serve — especially in how they have handled sensitive parent communications and strengthened PTA engagement.
• Commitment to school improvement and staff development: The Trust is recognised for fostering a high-performing and supportive working culture while continuing to invest in infrastructure and training.

Andrew Wilson, CEO of OAK Multi Academy Trust, welcomed the report’s findings:

“We’re delighted to see the progress we’ve made reflected so clearly in this review. Our board, governors, and leaders across the Trust are united by a shared commitment to growing great schools — rooted in values, powered by ambition, and strengthened by community.”

Chair of Trustees Jane Doughty added:

“This recognition from the NGA is a real credit to the collaborative spirit and determination of our governance team. We’re proud of the journey so far and are excited about what comes next.”

OAK’s Governance Lead, Danni Benyon-Payne, highlighted the vital role played by local governors and trustees across the Trust:

“It’s important to recognise the tireless commitment of our governors and trustees. Their guidance and support are central to the success of our schools and the Trust as a whole. Over the past 12 months, I’ve had the privilege of working more closely with them — and I look forward to those relationships  continuing to strengthen.

Much of their work happens behind the scenes, yet their willingness to give their time, insight, and expertise is instrumental in shaping the future of our Trust and ensuring every child receives the best possible start.”

The report also acknowledged the Trust’s readiness for responsible growth, stating it is “well placed to offer school improvement services to transform underperforming schools.”

OAK Multi Academy Trust continues to invest in its people, infrastructure, and governance model — creating the conditions where pupils thrive, staff grow, and communities trust the process.

This report comes on the back of news that three of OAK MAT’s five schools—Overdale Infant School, Woodland Grange Primary School, and Manor High School—have achieved significant improvements in their latest Ofsted inspections. Their success is a testament to the power of strong local leadership, shared expertise, and a values-driven approach to school improvement.

At a time when the academies programme has faced scrutiny, OAK Multi Academy Trust is proving that a well-led, collaborative trust model can deliver real, lasting educational transformation. The Trust, which comprises five schools, is celebrating a major milestone as three of its institutions—Overdale Infant School, Woodland Grange Primary School, and Manor High School—have made significant strides in their latest Ofsted inspections.

The Power of Small but Strong Trusts

With just five schools, OAK MAT may be small, but its collective strength lies in its commitment to high standards, mutual support, and shared expertise. This latest success demonstrates how a focused, values-driven approach to school improvement can yield exceptional results.

“Our results prove that when schools work together with a shared vision, they can achieve more than they ever could alone,” said Andrew Wilson CEO. “We believe in collective and collegiate working, ensuring that every school benefits from our network of leadership, innovation, and high standards. A determination to be better, to achieve more, and to give back is at the heart of everything we do.”

A Vision for Future Growth

This success is only the beginning. OAK Multi Academy Trust is laying the foundation for continued growth and excellence, ensuring that more schools and communities across Leicestershire can benefit from its proven approach to education. With an unwavering focus on high expectations, innovation, and collaboration, the trust aims to serve an even broader and more diverse range of pupils in the years to come.

“As a trust, we are committed to growth—not just in numbers, but in the depth of impact we have on every child’s education,” said Wilson. “Our ambition is to continue to be small enough to care and big enough to make a difference, ensuring that every school in our trust continues to thrive, that our staff are continually supported, and that our students leave us prepared for a bright and successful future.”

A Model for Sustainable Academy Success

While debates continue around the effectiveness of the academies programme, OAK MAT stands as an example of what is possible when each individual school’s identity is combined with carefully planned collaboration. The trust’s strategic leadership, professional development, and operational support have enabled schools to be more agile and effective in their school improvement efforts.

With a strong commitment to growing great schools, OAK Multi Academy Trust is setting new standards for education, ensuring that every child has the chance to succeed, regardless of circumstance.

OAK Multi Academy Trust is celebrating a remarkable milestone as three of its Leicestershire schools—Overdale Infant School, Woodland Grange Primary School, and Manor High School—have achieved significant improvements in their recent Ofsted inspections. These achievements reflect the trust’s unwavering commitment to growing great schools by delivering high-quality education, transforming young people’s futures, and ensuring a thriving learning environment despite challenging times.

Championing Excellence Across Leicestershire

These schools, each unique in their approach, have demonstrated exceptional progress in key areas such as leadership, personal development, and the quality of education. From Overdale Infant School’s ambitious curriculum and strong foundation in early years learning to Woodland Grange Primary’s outstanding behaviour and personal development programs, and Manor High School’s focus on high aspirations, academic success and clear values, the positive impact on students is undeniable.

“Our mission has always been to inspire, challenge, and support our pupils to achieve beyond expectations,” said Andrew Wilson, CEO of OAK Multi Academy Trust. “These Ofsted reports highlight the dedication of our leaders, teachers, and support staff in making real and lasting changes for our young people.”

Parents and students alike have expressed their delight at the schools’ success. “The school has transformed as part of the Trust,” said a Woodland Grange Primary parent. “My child feels supported, challenged, and excited to go to school every day.”

For staff, the results are a testament to their hard work and commitment. “We’ve worked incredibly hard to create an environment where every child can flourish,” said Hayley Holmes, Headteacher of Overdale Infant School. “Seeing that effort reflected in the Ofsted report—and in the smiles of our pupils—is incredibly rewarding.”

Students at Manor High School have also felt the impact of the improvements. “We’re pushed to do our best, and we know our teachers believe in us,” said one Year 10 student. “I feel like I’m getting the best start in life.”

A Testament to Trust-Wide Collaboration

Beyond the classroom, OAK Multi Academy Trust’s centralised support system has played a crucial role in these improvements. By providing strategic leadership, professional development, educational and operational support, the Trust has enabled schools to be more agile, effective, and focused on their core mission—education.

“Our back-office support structures allow our schools to focus on what really matters—teaching and learning,” said Wilson. “From financial stability to staff development and curriculum innovation including digital transformation, we ensure that schools have the resources they need to drive success – We really are small enough to care but big enough to make a difference.”

With a strong commitment to continued excellence, OAK Multi-Academy Trust is setting new standards for education in Leicestershire, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to achieve, regardless of circumstance.

At OAK Multi-Academy Trust, we are dedicated to ensuring that every school within our community provides a rich, ambitious, and nurturing learning environment. We are incredibly proud to celebrate Woodland Grange Primary School’s exceptional achievements in its latest Ofsted inspection, where it received:

• Outstanding for Behaviour and Attitudes
• Outstanding for Personal Development
• Good for Quality of Education
• Good for Leadership and Management
• Good for Early Years Provision

This success is a testament to the commitment, ambition, and excellence that Woodland Grange embodies every day.

A School Where Everyone Feels Welcome

At OAK, we believe that education should be inclusive, supportive, and tailored to help every child flourish. Woodland Grange Primary exemplifies this approach. Ofsted recognised the school’s strong sense of community and inclusion, stating:

“Woodland Grange Primary School is a happy and harmonious place. The diversity of the school’s context is celebrated and everyone is made to feel welcome.”

This aligns perfectly with our vision—to support young people to flourish, succeed, and develop a passion for learning while feeling valued within their school community.

Exceptional Behaviour & Personal Development

One of the most impressive findings from the Ofsted report was the exceptional behaviour of pupils at Woodland Grange. The report states:

“Pupils’ behaviour is exceptional. They give their best at all points in the school day. A typical comment from pupils was, ‘We behave well because we want to learn and because the school has taught us well.’”

This reflects our trust-wide commitment to ensuring that pupils not only excel academically but also develop the character and resilience needed to succeed in life. Through initiatives such as the ‘Aspiration Tree,’ which encourages respect, empathy, and self-motivation, Woodland Grange pupils are developing into confident, responsible learners who thrive in the wider world.

Strong Leadership & A Curriculum Designed for Success

We are committed to supporting our schools in delivering high-quality education and leadership. The Ofsted report acknowledges how our partnership with Woodland Grange has strengthened the school:

“The local governing body and trust work closely with the school. They ensure that well-considered decisions are made with the school’s context in mind. The trust provides appropriate support and challenge to bring about the many positive changes the school has made.”

This is at the heart of our mission – to provide tailored support that empowers schools to reach their full potential. Through collaborative leadership, professional development, and strategic guidance, we ensure our schools thrive and continuously improve.

A Holistic Approach to Learning & Well-being

A key part of Woodland Grange’s success is its commitment to personal development and well-being. Ofsted praised the school for going above and beyond to ensure children’s attendance, safety, and growth:

“The school provides a clear message that pupils should attend regularly. Almost all pupils attend well. The school goes above and beyond to support families with any difficulties they may have in getting their child to school each day.”

This reflects our belief that education extends beyond the classroom. By fostering an environment where pupils feel safe, supported, and encouraged to aim high, we help shape individuals who are prepared for the future.

A Message from Woodland Grange Primary School’s Headteacher

Reflecting on this success, Woodland Grange Primary School’s Headteacher, Hayley Brown, expressed her pride in the school community:

“This Ofsted report is a testament to the dedication and passion of our staff, pupils, and their families. We are delighted to have been recognised for our commitment to high expectations, inclusivity and personal development. At Woodland Grange, we truly believe in ‘Aiming high to achieve excellence and success by working together,’ and this achievement belongs to every member of our school community.”

Looking Ahead

At OAK, we are incredibly proud of Woodland Grange Primary School and their remarkable Ofsted success. This achievement demonstrates that with strong leadership, high-quality teaching, and a values-driven approach, our schools can deliver outstanding education and personal development for every child.

We look forward to continuing our work with Woodland Grange, ensuring that it remains a beacon of excellence within our trust. Congratulations to all the staff, pupils, and families who make Woodland Grange such a special place to learn!

You can read the full Ofsted report here.

At OAK Multi Academy Trust, we are committed to supporting our schools in providing the very best education, ensuring that every child flourishes and grows with a love for learning. We are delighted to celebrate Overdale Infant School’s recent Ofsted inspection, which has resulted in a good rating across all areas. This achievement highlights the dedication and commitment of the entire school community, and we are proud to have played a role in supporting their journey.

A Community Where Children Thrive

At OAK, we believe that every school should be a place where children feel safe, valued, and inspired. Ofsted recognised this in their report, with parents describing Overdale Infant School as “ a family. It is a lovely community.”

Our vision is for all OAK Multi Academy Trust schools to be rooted in their localities, offering a nurturing environment that fosters curiosity and ambition. Overdale Infant School has exemplified this by working closely with parents and the wider community to create a learning environment where every child feels included and supported.

Strength in Teaching and Learning

We believe in knowledge-rich learning practices, ensuring that all children have access to high-quality teaching that builds strong foundations for future success. Ofsted praised Overdale Infant School’s commitment to reading and phonics, recognising the school’s dedication to ensuring all children achieve well:

“The school has embedded its approach to phonics well. Staff expertly introduce new sounds with precision. The school successfully supports pupils who struggle with learning to read, or speak English as an additional language.”

We support all our schools in implementing a curriculum that is rich, experiential, and ambitious, ensuring that learning is not just a function of school, but a lifelong pursuit. Overdale Infant School’s success in reading reflects our trust-wide approach to ensuring children develop a deep understanding and passion for literature.

Investing in Staff, Investing in Success

A key part of our mission is to provide high-quality professional development for our staff. Overdale Infant School has embraced this, with Ofsted noting the impact of their approach to teacher training:

“The school provides high quality professional development to staff. Leaders’ personalised coaching at every opportunity ensures that staff implement the curriculum well.”

We believe that by investing in our educators, we invest in our students. Across all our schools, we provide coaching, leadership development, and opportunities for continuous professional learning to ensure that every teacher is equipped to deliver the best possible education.

A Commitment to Well-being and Character Development

At OAK, we understand that education is about more than just academic success – it’s about developing well-rounded individuals who are confident in their place in the world. Ofsted recognised Overdale Infant School’s strong pastoral support, noting:

“Pastoral support for pupils’ well-being is strong.”

This aligns with our trust-wide focus on ensuring children feel safe, supported, and empowered. Overdale Infant School’s approach to well-being reflects our belief that all children should have the opportunity to thrive, both academically and personally.

A Message from Overdale Infant School’s Headteacher

Reflecting on this achievement, Overdale Infant School’s Headteacher, Mrs. Hayley Holmes, shared her gratitude:

“This Ofsted outcome is a testament to the hard work, passion and commitment of our staff, pupils and their families. We are incredibly proud to have achieved GOOD in all areas, reflecting our shared vision of providing an outstanding education within a caring and inclusive environment. Overdale truly is a family, and this success belongs to everyone who contributes to making our school such a wonderful place to learn and grow.”

Looking Ahead

While we celebrate this success, our commitment to continuous improvement remains. At OAK, we will continue to support Overdale Infant School – and all our schools – as they build on this achievement and strive for even greater success.

We are proud to stand alongside Overdale Infant School as they continue their journey, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to flourish, achieve and grow into confident, curious learners.

To read the full Ofsted report see here.

At Oak Multi-Academy Trust, we are thrilled to celebrate the continued success of Manor
High School, which remains a shining example of educational excellence within our Trust.
Once again, Manor High has achieved exceptional results, placing it in the top 10% of
schools nationally for progress and confirming its position as the top school locally for
progress since 2019.

Manor High continues to deliver outstanding outcomes for students. On average, pupils
achieve the equivalent of seven GCSE subjects at a full grade higher than the national
average. For example, where a Grade 7 is the standard nationally, Manor students
consistently achieve a Grade 8. This level of progress is unmatched in the local area,
which includes Oadby schools and the surrounding communities.

What’s particularly impressive is that while other schools in the area achieve similar
progress in fewer than half their GCSE subjects, Manor High ensures consistently high
outcomes across the board, making it a fantastic choice for families seeking the best
education for their children.

Excellence Across STEM and More
Manor High’s success is especially evident in key STEM subjects (Science and Maths),
where it leads the way locally in progress. But the school’s achievements don’t stop there.
Students also excel in English, Humanities, Languages, and many other subjects,
showcasing the school’s commitment to a well-rounded and comprehensive education.

To find out more about how Manor High compares to schools nationally and local
please view the results here:
https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/school/137120/manor-high-sc
hool/secondary

A Community of Ambition and Support
Manor High’s success is rooted in its inclusive ethos and dedication to bringing out the
best in every pupil. The school’s welcoming and supportive environment ensures that
students from all backgrounds and abilities thrive, developing the confidence a
character needed to succeed in life.

With exceptional progress in STEM and other subjects, the school provides a fantastic
platform for all students to pursue their ambitions.

Proud to Celebrate Our Staff and Students
At Oak Multi-Academy Trust, we couldn’t be prouder of the staff and students at Manor
High School. Their hard work, dedication, and ambition are what make these
achievements possible. Manor High’s commitment to excellence reflects our Trust-wide
ethos: Together we grow great schools.

Discover Manor High for Yourself
Manor High’s sustained success is a testament to the incredible effort of everyone
involved in the school community. It’s a place where students don’t just achieve
academically but grow as individuals, ready to make a difference in the world.

We warmly invite you to visit Manor High and see what makes it so special. Whether
you’re a parent considering options for your child or simply curious about what we do,
Manor High is a school that delivers excellence every day.

Find out more about Manor High School and our Trust’s vision for education by exploring
our website.
Manor High School: https://www.manorhigh.leics.sch.uk/