An Isle of Wight primary school has “raised expectations” and “improved” its quality of education, according to inspectors.
Ofsted gave Summerfields Primary School in Newport a “good” rating across all inspection indicators including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes and personal development.
Shared ambition
In a report based on an inspection on 25th and 26th June 2024, Summerfields staff are said to care “deeply” about pupils, listening to and supporting them with any problems.
Inspectors also commended the ambition of the school’s leadership which they said pupils share.
Children at Summerfields “behave well”, demonstrate empathy and are happy to assist each other, the report said.
Another key characteristic is its variety of opportunities – inspectors flagged a visit to the Sealife Centre in Portsmouth which helped enliven pupils’ learning.
Where improvements could be made
Inspectors’ praise for Summerfields was not without caveats however.
Though they describe attendance as a “high priority” for the school leadership, a “small number” of pupils fall below what is expected.
In the majority of subjects, teachers are said to explain ideas clearly but in some areas what pupils are expected to learn has not been fully spelled out.
As a result, the report said,
“Teachers do not consistently plan activities to help pupils remember and recall important facts as well as they should.”
Strengths of the school
Specific qualities inspectors identified as strengths include Summerfield’s reorganised curriculum, its use of assessment information to shape future learning and the positive achievements of most children with disabilities or special educational needs.
They also highlighted reading as a “priority” of the school’s leadership and commended the personal development programme laid out for pupils.
The report noted,
“Pupils talk about different relationships with maturity.
“They know the importance of healthy food choices and keeping fit and active.
“A range of planned sporting events provide all pupils, irrespective of ability, with the opportunity to proudly represent their school.
“Pupils keenly take on leadership roles such as head boy or head girl. They understand the importance of being active participants in their community.”
Headteacher Melanie Gartell said,
“We are pleased that Ofsted have recognised the great things that go on at Summerfields Primary and its place within the local community.
“We have a very committed team, who go the extra mile to ensure the school is nurturing and inclusive, whilst always remaining ambitious for all children.
“The school was delighted to see Ofsted recognising the impact of work put into developing the wider curriculum, mathematics and that they also noted the importance placed on learning to read.”
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
