School ‘family’ is keeping up good work say Ofsted
THE “incredibly hard” work of a school’s staff has been saluted, following praise from inspectors.
St Nicholas CE Primary in Church is celebrating retaining its Good rating from its previous full inspection five years ago.
Inspected on January 11-12, the St Nicholas Road primary is at 96 per cent capacity, with 201 pupils on its roll.
Lead inspector Sue Eastwood’s report - made public on February 7 - noted that pupils, staff, parents and carers described the school as “one big loving family”.
She said pupils behave well, feel safe in school and enjoy learning in a supportive environment.
The inspector said: “Staff have high expectations of pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
“They expect every pupil to achieve well. Staff are successful at making this happen. Pupils are equally ambitious to learn as much as possible. Pupils said that they love to learn new knowledge.
“The school’s values, and leaders’ commitment to nurture and develop the character of pupils, are of benefit to pupils’ wider personal develop
ment. Pupils gave the inspector many examples of how they live out the school’s values in their everyday lives.
“For example, pupils relish showing kindness to a friend or persevering with their schoolwork.”
Areas for improvement were identified in one or two subjects, where leaders “have not thought
carefully enough about what pupils should learn and in what order.”
In a letter to parents following receipt of the latest result, acting head Mrs Sharon Taylor said staff and governors are “enormously proud”.
“The children were amazing throughout and happily shared their love of learning and school
experiences with the inspector,” she said.
Speaking to the Observer, Mrs Taylor said going forward from the pandemic, the focus will just be on making whatever improvements they can while ensuring the children are in school regularly and ready to learn.
“It’s a case of filling gaps where lost learning has occurred, and making sure that our curriculum recognises that,” she said.
“But it’s a brilliant report. The staff have worked incredibly hard through all of this.”
Former head Vicky Axon left post at the end of 2021, with her permanent replacement Mr Liam Noon due to be installed after Easter.