An Isle of Wight primary school has been praised for its ‘nurturing, kind and inclusive’ nature by an education watchdog.
Newport C of E Primary School, in Hazel Close, has continued its ‘Good’ Ofsted rating, which it received in 2017.
Ofsted visited the school, for pupils aged between five and 11, earlier this year.
First inspection since Covid
It was the first time it had been routinely inspected since before the Covid pandemic.
Inspectors say in their report, pupils are happy and feel safe at the school where they thrive and they rise to leaders’ high expectations.
Dynamic and interesting curriculum
A dynamic and interesting curriculum has been designed by leaders in all subjects and they have set out very careful what they want pupils to learn and know, inspectors found.
Inspectors said children in their early years go out of their way to show kindness to others; playing well together and sharing their resources generously.
They are also able to confidently explore their ideas in the well-resourced, stimulating environment and are upbeat about their learning.
Where improvements can be made
Occasionally, inspectors said, the early years children are distracted and lose interest, as teachers do not always check how well all pupils are learning.
Teachers do not always help the pupils overcome some of their misconceptions and to learn as well as they could, the report said.
Reading methods
Another issue inspectors found, which is already being addressed they said, was the teaching of phonic sounds to help pupils read fluently and accurately.
While pupils have developed a love of reading, the books some read do not help them practise the sounds they are taught.
Encouraging kind behaviour
Pupils are confident any unkind behaviour will not be tolerated, inspectors said, and they trust staff will deal with any bullying immediately.
The importance of equality is understood by pupils, and one Year 5 pupil told inspectors they treat everyone fairly because ‘while we are all different, we are equal.’
Complex behavioural needs
Complex behavioural needs are managed sensitively by leaders and staff and they are ambitious that pupils with special educational needs are fully involved in all aspects of school life.
The school’s safeguarding measures are effective, inspectors said, and leaders make sure the staff are well trained and have expert knowledge of the systems in place.
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
