East Ward Community Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 20 January 2026

This school truly sits at the heart of its community. Pupils flourish in its warm and welcoming environment. Staff greet them by name each morning and make sure they feel noticed and welcomed. Children in early years settle quickly. Staff introduce them to lots of new words. Nursery-age children delight in using words such as sprinkle, full and scoop to describe ladling glittery snow. Children are well prepared for their next steps in learning. Pupils are polite and respectful. They show positive attitudes to their learning. Classrooms buzz with purposeful learning. Pupils trust adults to support them if they are worried about anything, including rare incidents of bullying. Pupils feel safe in school. Staff have a deep understanding of the various barriers to learning and wellbeing that pupils may face. Leaders begin reducing these barriers right from the start. They work closely with parents, carers and external agencies to get the right help and support that pupils need to thrive and succeed. Leaders communicate well with parents to explain why it is important for their children to attend school regularly. This work has had a positive impact on reducing some pupils’ absences. Staff successfully support those pupils who still do not attend school as often as they should. The curriculum is ambitious and relevant. It is taught consistently well so that pupils’ knowledge deepens over time. Outcomes in national assessments highlight how, by the end of key stage 2, most pupils are well prepared for their next stage of education. Pupils blossom in terms of their wider development. A wide range of clubs and educational visits broaden their experiences and harness their interests and talents. Pupils are proud that their voices are heard. They give their time eagerly to support their school, including by acting as eco councillors, values ambassadors or librarians.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue to implement and evaluate their attendance strategy to secure consistently high attendance for pupils, including those who are disadvantaged.

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