Orchard Meadow Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 29 June 2022

Pupils recognise the exciting things that are happening at Orchard Meadow. They get a good deal because leaders are focused on bringing out the 'best in everyone'. Each class is known as a family. Pupils look forward to the weekly 'Pride' assemblies where leaders showcase how well pupils are doing. New leadership has revitalised expectations. Pupils know that adults believe in them. This empowers pupils to work hard and persevere. Adults are always on hand to boost pupils and steer them to success. Pupils welcome how leaders ensure that everyone behaves. The school's motto: 'be kind, be ready, be safe' develops pupils' personal responsibility. Bullying does not worry pupils. They know that adults are there to help. Pupils, therefore, feel calm and safe. There is much on offer for pupils. Leaders enrich pupils' horizons with first-time experiences. Pupils love singing and have worked with a philharmonic orchestra. They visit museums and art galleries. Students from an independent boarding school visit weekly to work with pupils. Together, they cook, play sport and try out new experiences. Pupils are encouraged to be leaders. They take their roles seriously. Prefects and play leaders do important work for the good of all.

What the school should improve

• Teachers are not fully clear about the curriculum end points pupils must achieve. Sometimes, teachers do not set the right work to reflect the school's ambitious curriculum. This impacts on how well pupils are prepared for the next stage of their education. Leaders need to develop teachers' subject and pedagogical knowledge to ensure that pupils learn the curriculum successfully.
• The pandemic has meant some younger pupils are behind in their writing transcription. These pupils are not meeting age-related expectations. Leaders need to continue with supporting teachers to rapidly help pupils catch up.
• In early years, staff do not always know how best to deliver the planned curriculum. Occasionally, their decisions around child-initiated play do not achieve leaders' intended purpose. Leaders need to train teachers in early years to have the pedagogical understanding to ensure children build successfully on prior knowledge.

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