Staff and pupils at Widewell Primary Academy are celebrating their latest Ofsted inspection report, after inspectors judged that the school continues to be a ‘good’ school.
Describing Widewell as ‘friendly and welcoming’, the report noted that ‘pupils work hard and play happily together and follow the school values of being kind and respectful in all that they do.’
Widewell has a high number of children from military families (35%) and inspectors praised the school for the additional support offered to the children stating: ‘those who join during the school year have extra support, so they settle quickly.’
There was also praise for the recently appointed Head Teacher Vicky Broughton, saying she had ‘wasted no time in getting to know the school and the community it serves’ and that she had ‘ambitious plans to improve the school further.’
Vicky said:
“I am delighted that Ofsted have recognised that we continue to be a ‘good’ school and the report details many of the positive experiences that our pupils take part in.
“It also describes how our children feel safe, happy and make progress in all areas of learning throughout their time with us.
“The quote in the first paragraph of the report that says ‘teachers understand us’ was actually a child saying to the inspector when asked about the staff in school: ‘they just get us’. I actually don’t think there is a better compliment!”
The hard work of everyone shone through in the report which also praised the school saying that ‘all staff have high expectations of pupils. They want pupils to do well across the curriculum and enjoy their learning.’
The report noted that Widewell Primary is a happy place to work and learn with high staff morale and that staff ‘appreciate the efforts leaders make to look after their well-being.’
Chair of Governors Captain James Day RM said:
“I am really pleased that Widewell Primary Academy continues to be a good school in its recent Ofsted inspection. When asked what it was like to attend the school, we as governors, are glad to hear that the pupils feel safe, are encouraged to learn and integrate well.
“Some good initiatives have enhanced the curriculum; like the school library and adopting innovative approaches to help those who struggle and those who excel. We will work hard as a governing body to continue to seek new methods to improve, continue successes and give the best education to the pupils possible.”
An Ofsted inspector visited the school in October and spoke with pupils about their work and school life as well meeting with senior leaders and staff. Views from parents and carers were also considered as part of the inspection process.
When Ofsted have judged a school to be good, they will normally go into the school about once every four years to confirm that the school remains good.
This is called a Section 8 Inspection of a good school or non-exempt outstanding school. This is the Second Section 8 inspection since the school was judged to be good in May 2016.
The full report can be found at reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/139289
