After major changes at an Isle of Wight primary school — including a move to another village — it has maintained its ‘good’ Ofsted rating.
It is the first inspection of Freshwater and Yarmouth C of E School by the education watchdog since it moved from Yarmouth to the former All Saints site in Freshwater, which had undergone a multi-million-pound refurbishment.
Results not as strong as they could have been
While inspectors said the two schools had been successfully merged into a ‘positive and friendly community’, leaders had not prioritised the most important actions to improve the school further.
It comes after results at the school last year were not as strong as they could have been.
Leaders are focused on addressing the issue, the inspectors said, but it ‘lacks precision’ to bring about changes swiftly and they should refine their thinking to prioritise things that will make a difference to pupils’ learning.
Pupils thrive at the welcoming school
Overall, Ofsted inspectors found from their inspection in April, pupils thrive at the welcoming school and learn to be respectful, develop resilience and build positive relationships.
Leaders and staff have high ambitions for all pupils, including those with special educational needs, and pupils respond positively to those expectations by working hard, the inspectors said.
Strengths
They said leaders’ work to promote pupils’ wider development is a strength of the school, with opportunities planned to expand their knowledge and experiences of the world beyond the Island.
Through the school’s nursery, staff skilfully develop children’s communication and language as they are encouraged to broaden their vocabulary, preparing them well for Reception.
Priorities
Pupils’ ability to read is prioritised throughout the school so they can access the rest of the curriculum, which is well developed across subjects, although some aspects need further refinement.
Inspectors said staff use secure subject knowledge and follow planning closely, which supports pupils to learn well.
Checks introduced
Leaders have introduced checks to make sure children are learning the most important content and staff use that information to adjust their teaching.
Safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective and pupils are taught how to keep themselves safe in the community.
Inspectors noted the collaborative approach between governors, staff and pupils meant everyone was proud of the school.
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
