Gade Valley Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 July 2022

Pupils at Gade Valley Primary School enjoy the many opportunities they have. Pupils talk openly and enthusiastically about how their teachers support them to become better learners by using the school learning behaviours and 'CHAMP' (confident, helpful, attentive, motivated, perseverant) attributes. Pupils regularly and consistently use these attributes of being 'confident, helpful, attentive, motivated and to persevere'. Carefully chosen rewards, such as the Friday 'Golden Ticket' or 'Book of Excellence', motivate pupils further. Pupils behave well in lessons and at break and lunchtimes. They have positive attitudes towards their learning and this helps them to achieve well. Pupils work hard in lessons. They try their best to meet the high expectations the school has of them. Pupils appreciate the way the staff look after them and treat them with respect. Bullying is rare and, if it does happen, staff quickly resolve it. Pupils talk with great enthusiasm about the many opportunities they have outside the classroom, such as trips to Harry Potter World or the 'campout' in Year 6. They enjoy enrichment days, such as the outdoor learning 'GOAL' days, which provide pupils with opportunities to solve problems. Older pupils relish the numerous positions of responsibility they have, such as being a librarian. Pupils on the school eco-council represent the school with pride. These opportunities teach pupils how to be responsible and support others. Pupils are well prepared for the next stages in their education.

What the school should improve

• In some foundation subjects, leaders have not identified the important concepts and knowledge pupils need to learn and revisit. As a result, pupils do not know the important content or make connections between learning in these subjects. Leaders must ensure that subject leaders identify and plan the important concepts that need to be taught and revisited across all subjects. They must then check that this is enabling pupils to develop a deep understanding of important knowledge.
• In some areas of the curriculum, including for pupils with SEND, teachers do not always have a precise understanding about what pupils know and can do. Leaders must ensure that teachers know how to precisely identify misconceptions and gaps in knowledge so that pupils are supported to catch up effectively.

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