Wheatfield Primary School is celebrating the success of a recent Ofsted inspection which categorises the school as ‘good’ across all measures. Under the leadership of acting headteacher Lois Haydon, who took over the reins following the retirement of long-serving head Christine Dursley in December 2016, the hard work of the staff, pupils, parents and governors has been recognised.
The inspectors commented:
- Pupils are well cared for throughout the school and parents comment positively about how confident they are in leaving their children in a “safe, happy, supportive and stimulating environment”.
- Leaders and managers at all levels are driven in their actions. As a result, standards have improved in all aspects of the school’s work.
- Teachers plan interesting and exciting lessons across a broad and balanced curriculum. Pupils talk enthusiastically about their learning, while teachers check pupils’ work carefully and ensure that any pupils who need to catch up are given the help they need.
In a letter to parents, Mrs Haydon said:
“We are extremely pleased with the outcomes and the positive comments made by the inspection team, and that we are now recognised as being ‘good’ in all areas.”
“We would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to all of the members of our community – from teachers to governors, support staff, parents and especially the children. It was an incredible team effort over the course of the two days of the inspection and we were able to really show the school off in the best light possible – gaining the ‘good’ status that we believe we deserve.”
“We are especially pleased that the inspectors recognised that at Wheatfield ‘every child is known as an individual’ and that ‘learning is typified by fun and exciting learning challenges … that engage pupils’ interests and deepen their understanding. And, of course, the recognition that the leadership of the school ‘have worked tirelessly to improve the quality of teaching and pupils’ outcomes’.”
“There are, of course, areas to improve on – which we are pleased to say we were already working on before the inspectors arrived. Progress in writing in Key Stage 2 already looks stronger than it did this time last year, and children in Key Stage 1 have been carefully monitored to ensure they make the progress that is expected of them.”
Concluding her letter, Mrs Haydon drew parents’ attention to the fact that the inspectors had expressed concern over attendance levels at the school.
“The inspectors were clear that holidays and visits to families abroad are having a significant impact upon the learning and achievement of our children. We will be reviewing our policy and letting you know how we can best work together to ensure our attendance figures are above the national average.”
More information: Ofsted report
• Wheatfield Primary was previously graded ‘requires improvement’ (in December 2014).
This article originally appeared in the April 2017 issue of the Bradley Stoke Journal news magazine (on page 8). The magazine is delivered FREE, EVERY MONTH, to 9,500 homes in Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke and Stoke Lodge. Phone 01454 300 400 to enquire about advertising or leaflet insertion.
