Istead Rise Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 27 February 2024

Pupils are rightly proud of their school. They love learning in this vibrant and exciting environment. Staff set high expectations of pupils' achievement, and pupils enjoy rising to the challenge. The values of the school shine through in the way that pupils persevere with their work. One pupil expressed the views of many, saying, 'I love the endlessly interesting learning opportunities.' Inclusivity runs through all aspects of school life. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive highly effective support when they need it. These pupils thrive here, and are fully involved in classroom learning and the many wider opportunities on offer. Pupils treat each other kindly and with respect. They value and listen well to the opinions of others. Warm relationships between staff and pupils mean that all pupils know that they are safe, cared for and valued as individuals. Staff care deeply about pupils' well-being and preparedness for future life. Pupils have opportunities to apply for roles on the school council, where they learn how to put forward pupils' views and make a positive difference to the school community. There are many other meaningful positions, such as digital ambassadors, who run assemblies for the school on e-safety.

What the school should improve

• Staff do not consistently check what pupils know as effectively as they could. This means that misconceptions or gaps in pupils' learning are not always identified and addressed as quickly as they might be. The school should ensure that all staff check pupils' understanding and then adapt subsequent teaching to address any gaps in knowledge. While pupils achieve well, this will help ensure that pupils achieve even more highly.

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