Grange View Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 20 March 2024

Pupils, staff and families are overwhelmingly positive about their school. Parents and carers describe it as an 'asset' to Widdrington village and a 'privilege' for their children to attend. Leaders and staff have purposely positioned the school as a hub in the local community. They have built positive relationships with local businesses and charities to benefit pupils and families. Pupils play their part as active local citizens, for example growing vegetables for a local pop-up charitable café and supporting the food bank. Carefully planned curriculums and effective teaching help pupils to achieve well. Staff are well supported by leaders to develop the skills and expertise they need. Adults know pupils particularly well. They provide considered support for those who need help, especially pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Most pupils behave well and attend really well. Classrooms and corridors are orderly and pupils are confident that staff address the minor issues that arise. Pupils' personal development is given high priority. They demonstrate a good understanding of, and respect towards, others with different beliefs and backgrounds. Pupils are not concerned about bullying. They know it will not be tolerated in school. They have trusted adults whom they are happy to approach if they need help.

What the school should improve

• Some pupils in key stages 1 and 2 do not hold their pens and pencils correctly. Some pupils form letters and numbers inaccurately and this is not systematically addressed by staff. The presentation of pupils' written work, including their handwriting, is variable across school. This limits some pupils' ability to write with automaticity. The school should ensure that all staff have consistently high expectations of pupils' written work and that pupils are quickly supported where they need extra help to write with accuracy.
• Some older pupils do not demonstrate consistently positive attitudes to learning. Occasionally, during unstructured times, some older pupils need help from adults to behave sensibly. The school should ensure that expectations for behaviour and attitudes around school are clearly understood by all and continue the planned work to help pupils to take greater responsibility for regulating their own behaviour.

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