Smiles and celebrations at ‘thriving’ primary school now rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted

Attracting further praise was the school’s work around special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), with inspectors acknowledging that these were identified early.

They said: “Appropriate support plans are in place. Staff adapt the curriculum well for pupils with SEND. Parents of these pupils are incredibly appreciative of this support. Many talked of their child thriving and progressing beyond their expectations. One pupil said, ‘We feel that we are achieving as well as everyone else in our classes’.”

The report concludes: “Becoming valued members of society is the school’s main ambition for pupils. Staff make sure that pupils gain a firm understanding of fundamental British values. These underpin everything. Pupils explain how being tolerant and respectful, for example, makes their world a better place.”

Julie Wardle, Trust Primary Director, said: “Congratulations to Rachael and her team who have worked with determination to ensure that North Wingfield Primary and Nursery Academy is a great place for all children to learn. I am so proud of the dedicated staff, knowledgeable governors and exceptional children who have worked together to secure this well-deserved 'Good' judgment.”

Listed below are further comments made by inspectors following the recent Ofsted inspection:

• The school’s motto encourages pupils to take ‘PRIDE in learning together’. Pupils have good attitudes to learning in lessons. They talk about how they ‘persevere’ with their work and show ‘resilience’ when it is challenging. They try hard to be ‘independent’ and ignore ‘distractions’. They ‘explain’ their learning with great enthusiasm. Pupils are proud to complete pledges that demonstrate these values.
• Staff know pupils well and are supportive role models. They help pupils who find managing their behaviour difficult to regulate their emotions. This creates a calm and orderly environment for pupils to learn in.
• The school continually emphasises the importance of attending school regularly. The attendance leaderboard and class certificates show that this is widely understood.
• The school has worked hard on developing an ambitious curriculum. It has clearly defined the important knowledge that pupils need to learn. The curriculum is carefully planned in all subjects.
• Teachers deliver the curriculum through engaging lessons. They explain new content clearly, while building on what pupils learned before. In science, for example, lessons start with an exploratory question to check what pupils already know about the focus of the lesson. Teachers question well and sensitively address any misconceptions. They provide interesting activities, along with helpful resources. Pupils’ increasing knowledge is evident in their well-presented work. They can explain what they have learned in some depth in most subjects.
• Staff help children understand and use complex words, such as ‘digit’ or ‘position’. Staff encourage them to pursue their ideas in creative ways. Children soon learn all the school routines. They look after the toys and equipment. Children talk confidently about their learning. They explain how to play safely on the big equipment outside.
• Learning to read well is at the forefront of the curriculum. Phonics is well taught. Pupils quickly learn all the sounds. They get extra help from expertly trained staff if they fall behind. They develop fluency through regular practice of reading books at the right level of difficulty. Pupils love reading and listening to stories. Each class has enjoyed spending its allocated budget on developing attractive reading areas. The school has invested in many lovely books that help to broaden pupils’ knowledge of the world and of different cultures.
• Since joining the trust, [the school has] the right challenge and support.
• Staff speak highly of the focus on their professional development.