Edwalton Primary School maintains its high standards says Ofsted

‘Pupils love coming to Edwalton Primary School’ said inspector, ‘They feel valued, listened to and safe.’

Edwalton Primary School has maintained its high standards says Ofsted, in a newly published report.

The school’s latest inspection described the school as ‘aspirational for every pupil’, using its unique character and resources to enrich the education of its pupils.

The school, based on Wellin Lane in Edwalton is well known locally for having its own farm with alpacas, goats, lambs, chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs, in addition to a 3-acre mature woodland area it uses for outdoor learning.

The report says, ‘Pupils relish the enriching experiences that the school provides, for instance learning in the school’s own farm and woodlands. They benefit from inspiring visits and visitors. They enjoy a wide range of activities that challenge them and nurture their talents. Pupils are proud to make a real contribution to school life, for instance, as eco leaders, school parliamentarians and play leaders. Pupils show deep respect for other people and the world around them. All this prepares pupils very well for their next steps.’

Dan Graney is Headteacher at the school and he said, “We are very proud of the many positives highlighted in the report and want to thank our children and their supportive families for making this school such a special place. I would also like to thank our Edwalton staff team, for their hard work and commitment each and every day, and for the support of our multi-academy trust, The Flying High Partnership.”

The report says, ‘Parents and carers are overwhelmingly appreciative that their children are happy and thrive here. As one parent typically commented, pupils are ‘valued, cared for and encouraged to be their best every day’.

The school’s curriculum is described as well structured, ambitious and engaging, with strong learning habits being set for children from their beginnings in Reception year.

Children at the school consistently achieve highly in mathematics and reading is a key priority. Pupils are said to ‘…learn demanding vocabulary through the wide range of texts at the heart of the curriculum. Subject-specific vocabulary is prioritised in every topic. Communication and language are skilfully threaded through learning activities from the moment children join in Reception Year. Teachers support pupils to structure their written and oral responses with increasing sophistication over time. They become confident communicators.’

The school is recognised as providing high quality and ongoing training for staff, including opportunities to work in collaboration with trust colleagues. This is credited with making a significant contribution to the school’s continuous improvement in the quality of education.

The school is found to be ‘…rigorous in securing an inclusive learning environment for its pupils.’ The report goes on to say, ‘The school provides sensitive support to help disadvantaged pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, to learn successfully alongside their peers. Pupils achieve well from their different starting points.’

The visiting inspector said, ‘The school has sustained the excellent provision for personal development identified at its previous inspection. Pupils access a broad and carefully crafted enrichment and personal development programme. They learn to value themselves, each other, their school and their community. They learn about, celebrate and respect different cultures, beliefs and family structures. Older pupils discuss their views with maturity and careful consideration of others’ contributions. Pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain.’

Staff are proud of working at the school and the report praises the strong relationships families develop with the school. Attendance is high and safeguarding is effective, said the report.

Headteacher Dan Graney said, “Our children were great ambassadors for the school during the inspection visit and are a credit to their families. We are all very proud of our school, not only the fantastic achievements of our children, but of the additional opportunities and experiences we are able to provide them with; truly bringing their learning to life. Not many schools have a delivery of 2-day old lambs to coincide with an Ofsted inspection!

“We are committed to building on the results of this inspection, and to give our children a joyful and fulfilling experience, brimming with learning and fun, which will equip them well for the next stage in their education.”