Awsworth Primary and Nursery School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 2 November 2022

This is a school where the motto 'striving to achieve our BEST' is at the heart of everything. When pupils try their best, leaders and teachers celebrate their achievements through the popular 'BEST awards'. Pupils' behaviour in and around school is impeccable. Pupils are polite and courteous to each other, adults and visitors. Pupils told inspectors that they feel safe at school. They say that bullying is rare. If bullying does occur, pupils say that adults will sort it out. Many parents, carers and staff agree. Pupils are proud to make a positive contribution to the wider life of the school. They readily take on important roles such as Rights Respecting Ambassadors. School council representatives are unanimous in their view that leaders listen to their ideas and suggestions for making the school even better. There is a range of clubs for pupils to join. These activities help to build character and develop pupils' talents. Pupils enjoy football, gardening club and book club. Others love learning to play a musical instrument. Pupils speak positively about visits to Matlock, Wales and Alton Towers. These activities are inclusive and accessible for all pupils.

What the school should improve

• Leaders have planned a well sequenced and ambitious curriculum for all pupils. In some subjects, leaders have yet to refine the knowledge that they want pupils to know and remember. Leaders do not yet routinely check across all subjects that teachers are teaching the planned curriculum. As a result, pupils do not routinely build their knowledge over time as well as they should in some subjects. Leaders should ensure that there is clarification around what knowledge pupils should learn and when in all subjects, so that pupils become secure in their understanding and are best prepared for their next steps.
• Leaders have implemented a new approach to the teaching of early reading. There are some minor inconsistencies in the teaching of this. As a result, not all pupils use the sounds they know well enough to read unfamiliar words. Leaders should ensure that the new approach to teaching reading enables pupils to become fluent and confident readers as quickly as they should.

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