A Good rating received following a recent Ofsted inspection is being celebrated by pupils and staff at Withington Primary School near Hereford.
The rating comes as a result of a visit from inspectors on 17th and 18th July, which was the first routine inspection of the school since the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Ofsted inspectors were impressed with many aspects of the school and found that the ‘pupils come into school each day full of curiosity and excitement about what they are going to learn’. They added that the pupils ‘enjoy thinking hard in lessons’ and that the school’s leaders ‘know all pupils and their families well’, with the staff describing the primary school as a ‘family’.
In addition, inspectors noted that the pupils’ learning is enriched by well-chosen trips and visits, and that because it is ensured that all pupils can go on tworesidential trips while at the school, they ‘develop independence and resilience’ as well as enjoying new experiences.
Academically, the school’s leaders were praised for putting a ‘well-considered curriculum in place’ and for having thought carefully about what pupils ‘should know and when they should learn it’.
In lessons, pupils were found to be ‘engaged and eager to learn’ and it was noted that, throughout the school,teachers make sure pupils know how to manage their own behaviour.
Special mention was given to the way pupils with SEND (special educational needs) were identified quickly and then given the extra help needed. Importantly, the children with speech and learning difficulties have lots of opportunities to speak and play with other children in ways ‘that help them to develop their language skills’.
The report also highlights some minor areas for improvement which are already being addressed, such as ensuring the curriculum in less established subjects continues to build securely and developing the phonics scheme still further.
Speaking about this Ofsted rating, Executive Headteacher, Simon Robertson, said:
“We are all delighted by this news and the Good rating is richly deserved by everyone at the school. It is very pleasing to read that the inspectors recognised how happy children at Withington Primary School are and what excellent opportunities they are offered across all areas.
“I’d like to thank every single member of staff for all the hard work they put in and I’d also like to thank our families in the school community for the support they offer too.
“We will continue to strive for improvements where required to ensure that Withington offers the best possible education to its pupils and I’ve absolutely no doubt the school will only go from strength to strength in the future.”
