Millfields First School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 16 April 2024

Pupils are very happy at Millfields First School. This is a welcoming school where all adults work effectively to provide a challenging and stimulating learning environment. This is in line with the school's values of 'ambition, possibilities and outdoor learning', and there is a significant emphasis on the extensive forest school provision. Pupils are highly enthusiastic about this. One pupil, speaking for many, stated, 'It brings things to life for us.' Pupils behave with high degrees of respect for each other and for adults. They understand expectations of them to behave and do so willingly. They know they can approach adults if they have any concerns and that they will be supported. They are friendly to and inquisitive about visitors. Pupils appreciate the thought that has been put into the many visits and opportunities that the school has organised for them. These include sporting opportunities for girls and boys, as well as other clubs and visits. They speak enthusiastically too about the recent residential trip they had to Malvern.

What the school should improve

• Absence remains high for some more vulnerable pupils. As a result, these pupils miss valuable learning time, which adversely affects their academic achievement and opportunities to take part in the wider curriculum. The school should continue to work with parents to improve pupils' attendance.
• Some teachers do not use assessment well enough to check pupils' learning. Where this happens, misconceptions or opportunities to move pupils on to more challenging work are missed. The school should ensure that all teachers use assessment effectively to identify and close gaps in pupils' understanding or move them on to a new task, so they are well placed to meet the challenges of the curriculum.

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