An Isle of Wight primary school’s “long journey of improvement” has paid off with a jump up in its Ofsted rating.
Following a two-day inspection in November last year, Godshill Primary School is no longer ‘requires improvement’ but ‘good’ in the eyes of the government’s education watchdog.
In a recently published report, Ofsted inspectors said pupils were proud to attend the school, which is part of the Stenbury Federation, and they feel happy and safe there.
Snow: A long journey of improvement
Headteacher, Mark Snow, said the school has been on a long journey of improvement, “and although an inspection is used to validate this progress, we knew that Godshill is a great school”.
He said,
“Our children, staff, governors, parents and community partners have supported us to make our school a fantastic place to learn and it is positive to see Ofsted agree and they have judged our school as good.”
Strong relationships built on mutual respect
In their report, inspectors said pupils and staff build strong relationships based on mutual respect.
Staff expect pupils to behave well and pupils live up to those expectations. They are kind and considerate to each other, inspectors said.
Since the last inspection, the school has strengthened the teaching of reading, and pupils who need extra help receive it.
Plans for disadvantaged pupils and SEN
There is high ambition for disadvantaged pupils, including those with special educational needs, inspectors said, and teachers make necessary adaptations for them.
The curriculum has been reviewed in many subjects and updated to help pupils learn even better, the inspectors said.
Some subjects are further along than others. In a few, the changes are less well embedded. Inspectors said that means pupils do not always learn the vocabulary and concepts they should have, resulting in gaps in their knowledge and skills.
Some inconsistencies across the school
Teachers have strong subject knowledge and use a range of methods to help pupils remember and use their previous learning, but there is some inconsistency across the school.
Therefore, inspectors said, pupils do not always use what they have learned before.
Teaching staff receive high-quality support and guidance that enable them to assist pupils well, inspectors said, and they feel well supported in terms of managing their workload.
Overall, safeguarding arrangements were effective, the watchdog said.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
