Ofsted
OFSTED January 2018: we continue to be a “GOOD” school.
- [The school is] an environment which is ambitious for pupils, staff and the wider community.
- [The Headteacher has] a clear and accurate view of the school’s strengths and the areas that require further work.
- Relationships between staff and pupils are excellent. Pupils receive high levels of pastoral care which enable them to flourish and learn together.
- Pupils are enthusiastic about their learning. They enjoy a broad range of activities.
- [Pupils] are well behaved in and around the school. They are polite, well-mannered and show respect for each other and for adults. They feel valued and know that every member of staff will listen to them. Pupils describe the school as ‘safe, positive and welcoming’.
- Good teaching, determined leadership and strong spiritual, moral, social and cultural development remain highly effective.
- [There is a] culture of safeguarding in the school in which pupils’ well-being is at the heart of everything they do.
- Actions to improve pupils’ attendance have been successful.
- The teaching of phonics is good.
- Teachers provide pupils with opportunities to reflect on their previous learning. As a result, pupils have a clearer view of what they need to do to develop their skills and understanding.
- Support for disadvantaged pupils in and around the school is effective. We provide high levels of pastoral support to help develop pupils’ emotional well-being.
- Adults’ guidance is building pupils’ independence, and helping them to become good learners.
- [The school] have worked hard to improve pupils’ progress in reading.
To view the full 2018 Inspection Report, click here.
OFSTED July 2014: we are a “GOOD” school.
Strengths of our school which were highlighted were:
* Our Pupils make good progress in reading, writing and mathematics, often from below average starting points.
* Teaching is typically good. Pupils enjoy their learning and most achieve well. Senior leaders have taken decisive action to bring this about.
* Disabled pupils and those with special educational needs make good progress because they receive focused and skilled support.
* Pupils’ behaviour is good. Respect and courtesy are hallmarks of this harmonious school community. The school is a happy and safe place in which to learn.
* Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is strong. They have many opportunities to take part in musical and sporting activities.
* The headteacher provides determined leadership. Since the previous inspection, he has shared and developed leadership throughout the school. As a result, teaching and achievement have improved.
* Governors both challenge the headteacher and fully support his vision. They know the school well, including how resources are used and how well pupils are learning.
To view the full 2014 Inspection Report, click here.
OFSTED September 2012
Our school was inspected on 19th & 20th September 2012. Comments from the report included:
• The behaviour and safety of pupils are good.
• Pupils enjoy school and attendance is above average.
• The school has succeeded in raising the percentage of pupils meeting, and exceeding, national tests at the end of Years 2 and 6.
• Relationships are a strength in this happy, inclusive school.
• Pupils are well cared for and get on well with each other.
• Parents are positive about the school’s work and are more involved in their children’s learning.
• The school works closely with the local community.
• By the end of Reception children work independently and make choices because they are encouraged to learn through play. As a result, they develop good social skills.
• Well-targeted support helps the progress of pupils supported by School Action Plus [Special Educational Needs]• Pupils’ attitudes to learning are consistently good
• High Firs is a safe, friendly place
• Breakfast club is popular and pupils told inspectors about the many extra-curricular clubs they enjoyed, including sports, arts, gardening and computing. They especially like events and visits linked to their topics, such as Roman Day, the Victorians and The Olympics.
• Leaders have sustained the good behaviour, attendance and care of pupils since the previous inspection.
• Partnerships with parents and others, including external agencies to support those in challenging circumstances, are well established
To view the full 2012 Inspection Report, click here
OFSTED: December 2009
Comments from the Inspection Report included:
- There are good features to teaching throughout the school.
- Teachers work hard to make learning enjoyable and make good use of interactive whiteboards to introduce new skills.
- Adults ensure that children are well cared for and this means that there is a happy atmosphere in lessons
- Pupils’ thorough enjoyment of school can be seen in their above average rates of attendance.
- [Pupils] play and work together happily in the Reception class. It is lovely to see so many smiling faces as you come into school in the morning!
- Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is good.
- Pupils are polite and courteous and behave well. They very keenly take responsibility through the school council and by being ‘buddies’ to their friends at playtimes.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are given sound support.
- They [pupils] are particularly appreciative of the good range of clubs and visits offered by the school, for example pupils talk very positively about the choir and their successes in sporting competitions such as bench ball and football.