Airy Hill Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 4 May 2022

Pupils love the outdoor space at school. They speak with excitement about the adventure trail, the large field, chill-out benches and the garden project. Pupils appreciate the way teachers get everyone to try their best. During lessons, teachers explain work clearly and give pupils the help they need. Pupils work hard because teachers expect them do so. Pupils know they could be chosen at random to answer a question by the 'lolly stick' names. This means they must always listen and pay attention. They say learning is fun. Favourites include outdoor learning in the forest area and when a teddy bear launched into space with a weather balloon. Pupils like the simplicity of the school rules. They explain how they can say 'stop it, I don't like it' before there is any trouble or falling out. Pupils say if someone looks upset, others will help. Teachers are on hand to sort out disputes. Pupils are adamant that bullying does not happen. The inspector agrees. Anti-bullying ambassadors spot and report any issue that arises at breaktime. Pupils know that their mental health is important. They let adults know how they feel by attaching a 'feelings peg' to one of four 'emotions boards'. Pupils say they feel safe in school.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, such as music and PE, pupils' learning is not well planned and sequenced. The curriculum does not detail what pupils will learn in Reception to prepare them for Year 1. The curriculum is not helping pupils to know and do more over time because new learning does not build on what pupils already know. Leaders need to review their wider curriculum plans to ensure that pupils' learning builds progressively from Reception to Year 6. It is clear from leaders' actions that they are in the process of bringing this about. For this reason, the transitional arrangements have been applied.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)