Iwade School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 September 2022

Pupils thrive in this busy and happy school. Leaders have carefully considered how pupils can feel part of their allotted 'community' within the bigger school. This helps pupils to feel a sense of belonging. Relationships across the school are friendly. Pupils are polite and well behaved. They open doors and respond to thanks with a cheery 'you're welcome'. Outside pupils play happily on the climbing frame or enjoy sharing a book together. A few parents expressed concerns around bullying. This did not reflect inspectors' findings. Pupils were adamant that any bullying is rare and quickly dealt with. They feel safe in school and know that staff will help if they have any worries. Right from the start, children in the early years quickly learn the routines of school. This helps them settle in and learn well. Expectations are high across the school. Pupils strive to meet them. Pupils are offered the chance to take on a wide range of responsibilities, which enables them to contribute to the life of the school. Pupils value these roles. They appreciate that they have a voice which can make a difference. Pupils are proud of their school. They explained, 'We have got positive energy'.

What the school should improve

• Sometimes, sequences of learning in the foundation subjects focus more on skills and activities rather than knowledge. This means that teachers do not have enough guidance about the most important knowledge that pupils need to learn. Leaders should continue to implement their plans to strengthen the curriculum and associated assessment processes They need to make more explicit the most important knowledge that they would like pupils to learn and remember.

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