Forest Glade Primary School in Sutton in Ashfield described as ‘exceptional place to learn’ by Ofsted.

‘The school ‘flies high’ and has much exemplary practice to share with others’ said inspector.

Forest Glade Primary & Nursery School in Sutton in Ashfield has received a glowing report following their latest Ofsted inspection.

The visiting Inspector said, ‘Forest Glade Primary is an exceptional place for pupils to learn. The school has made substantial progress in developing its work over the last few years. This progress is the result of high-quality leadership and teaching. By the end of key stage 2, pupils’ outcomes are very strong. All staff are committed to doing the very best for pupils. The thoughtful passion and positive energy of leaders, teachers and support staff are striking.’

The report says that high expectations are ‘the cornerstone’ of the school’s success, and that all decisions are made with the children’s best interests in mind.

Pupils are highly praised in the report which says, ‘Pupils are keen to learn and are engrossed in their studies. Pupils and staff have respectful relationships. As a result, pupils’ behaviour is exceptional. The values of the trust have been adopted and adapted well by the school. Leaders’ commitment to instilling aspiration, confidence and kindness in pupils are fully realised. The school ‘flies high’ and has much exemplary practice to share with others.’

The reports says that pupils are happy and safe and ‘adore their school’.

The curriculum is described as carefully designed to provide the best opportunities and experiences for its pupils.

‘All pupils’ love to learn’, commented the inspector, adding that through the school leaders’ use of educational research and expertise, the curriculum’s careful design is equipping children with important knowledge and skills enabling them to ‘answer complex ‘enquiry’ questions effectively.’

Skills in reading, writing and mathematics are prioritised by teachers, said the report, with the teaching of early reading a key strength of the school.  Teaching is also described as highly effective, saying staff ‘…have designed a special approach to teaching that ensures that pupils revisit previous learning and receive the very best explanations. Teachers adapt these explanations effectively so that all pupils deepen their understanding of essential information.’

Steven Champion is Head Teacher at Forest Glade Primary School, and he said he is delighted with the report.  “I am incredibly proud of our whole school community, -our children, staff, parents and governors, for making Forest Glade such a special place. Our children are truly exceptional: they are enthusiastic, kind, hardworking and a real credit to our school.

“This report recognises not just the dedication and passion of our staff, but also the amazing attitudes, achievements and character of our children. We are thrilled that Ofsted has celebrated our progress and strong outcomes our children achieve, and we look forward to building on this success together in the future.”

Ofsted said children in early years, ‘quickly begin to crack the phonics code. Pupils become fluent readers through key stages 1 and 2 and speak enthusiastically about the books that they read. Where needed, pupils receive extra support from staff for their reading. Pupils also make secure progress in their understanding of other subjects, including mathematics. Staff make sure that pupils master curriculum content and gain increasing confidence.’

The school’s partnership with parents and carers to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities is praised, going on to say, ‘The school has designed an impressive range of programmes to target specific pupils’ needs and help pupils to thrive, both academically and socially.’

The school’s ‘strong’ curriculum and ‘effective teaching’ is credited with the excellent outcomes children at the school achieve.

‘By the end of key stage 2,’ said Ofsted, ‘results across all subjects are well above national averages. Pupils are very well equipped for their learning at secondary school.’

Pupils were found to be proud of their ‘very positive behaviour’ and told the visiting inspector that they get along well together. Pupils’ attendance is also above the national average.

The school and its Leaders are said to have considerable drive and are well supported by The Flying High Partnership and their partner schools. Staff benefit from excellent professional learning and development resulting in ‘improved performance and the highest standards.’

The report confirms that safeguarding at the school is effective, and that Governors support the school well, dedicating much time to discuss and plan school improvement.

Forest Glade Primary & Nursery School is a member of the Flying High Partnership, a multi-academy trust consistently rated in the top four in the country in MAT Performance Measures.