Newbold Verdon Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 1 May 2024

Pupils enjoy attending this school. They look forward to learning new things each day. Teachers have high expectations of each pupil. As the school would put it, 'We inspire our dragons to fly higher.' Relationships between staff and pupils are positive. Many pupils told inspectors that the teachers are one of the best things about the school. A shared understanding of the three simple rules of being ready, respectful and safe creates a positive environment in which pupils can learn happily. Pupils are polite and respectful. They are eager to show what they have achieved. They know that positive behaviour and learning will allow them to achieve a 'dragon point'. They look forward to seeing which of the four houses have come out on top at the end of each week. All pupils benefit from attending forest school. This helps them develop independence and resilience, and learn from the natural environment. Pupils also enjoy attending the many clubs that are on offer. There are opportunities for pupils to develop as active citizens. For example pupils raise money for charity and they support the annual village gala. Many parents and carers would recommend the school. They hold positive views of the support and education that pupils receive.

What the school should improve

• Some pupils do not have a firm enough understanding of different faiths. This means they are sometimes unable to celebrate the things that they share in common with others. The school must ensure that the personal development provision supports pupils to develop a better understanding of people of different faiths that they are likely to encounter in modern Britain.
• Some teachers do not use assessment and feedback precisely enough. When this happens, some pupils are left with gaps in their knowledge, and on other occasions feedback does not help pupils improve. The school must ensure that assessment and feedback are used more consistently and purposefully to address gaps in knowledge and/or help pupils improve their work.
• On occasions, opportunities for pupils to extend their learning are not planned. As a result, learning for some pupils is not always maximised. The school should ensure that there are planned opportunities for pupils to deepen and extend their learning and that these are consistently implemented.

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