“Pupils are keen and enthusiastic in lessons and want to learn” — are the glowing words in an Ofsted inspection which helped an Isle of Wight primary school keep its ‘Good’ rating.
Haylands Primary School, on the outskirts of Ryde, was visited by the government’s education watchdog at the start of the new school year in September.
Praise for staff and pupils
The recently published report has highlighted the school’s positive environment, praising staff and pupils, after a ‘period of considerable change’ but saw one area where improvements could still be made.
Inspectors said in some subjects, there was no clear way of knowing how well pupils were learning or achieving because consistent assessment processes had not been fully established.
High aspirations for pupils to achieve well
Despite that, Ofsted said there are high aspirations for all pupils to achieve well and to enjoy learning a clearly sequenced curriculum from pre-school to Year 6, which is relevant to them.
The inspectors said there was a ‘palpable air of excitement’ over the recent curriculum changes, which have been based on careful thought about what pupils need to be successful.
Pupils are proud of their school
Overall, pupils are proud of their friendly school, the report said, where the children celebrate diversity and difference, showing acceptance and empathy towards others.
Pupils live up to the high expectations of how they should behave, resulting in a calm and respectful school atmosphere.
The children also know there are trusted adults who keep them safe and can help them if they have any worries.
SEN well supported
Pupils with special education needs are well supported at Haylands, the inspectors said, as there are robust systems in place to identify these pupils and include them fully in the life of the school.
In the school’s newsletter, headteacher Katrina Shaer, who was appointed in January, said she was incredibly proud of pupils and their impeccable behaviour, confidence in their learning and sheer joy at belonging to their school, which shone through in the inspection.
Shaer: Report truly reflects dedication and commitment
Ms Shaer said she was also proud of the staff and governors at Haylands, as the report truly reflects the dedication and commitment they have to support the pupils to be the best they can be.
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
