Horsley Woodhouse Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 March 2023

Pupils at Horsley Woodhouse are polite and friendly. They are keen and ready to learn. Most parents are positive about the school. As one parent, typical of many, commented, 'My child is happy and rushes through the gate each morning.' Pupils benefit from a well-planned wider curriculum offer. Learning is brought to life through a range of experiences, including in the popular forest school. Disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are included in all extra-curricular activities, such as the choir, gardening and cheerleading clubs. Pupils respond well to the high expectations that staff set for their behaviour and conduct. They show positive attitudes to their learning. Pupils play and work well together in lessons and at social times. Pupils say that they feel safe. They say that bullying rarely happens at this school. They are confident that staff will quickly sort out any difficulties that may arise. Relationships between staff and pupils are very positive. The Embark values of family, integrity, teamwork and success are understood and lived out by pupils.

What the school should improve

• In a small number of subjects, leaders have not yet precisely identified the knowledge and skills that pupils should gain, and in what order. As a result, pupils' knowledge in these subjects is not as strong as it is elsewhere. Leaders should ensure that the curriculum enables pupils to know and remember more in all subjects.
• Leaders have not ensured that pupils understand the fundamental British values as clearly as they should. Pupils do not fully appreciate and respect values such as democracy and the rule of law. Leaders should ensure that they enhance pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development in all aspects, so that pupils are well equipped to participate in modern British society.

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