Wimborne St Giles Church of England First School and Nursery

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 May 2023

Leaders' vision that 'Together We Grow: Together We Give' is realised in a community that extends beyond a homely school building. Pupils are proud of their school, describing it as 'one big family'. Parents say they send their children here because it is safe and 'children thrive'. The school's values of love, hope and joy can be found in abundance. Pupils treat other people and their environment with compassion and respect. They understand their place in the world and try to make it a better place. For example, the 'Eco' group sell washing liquid to parents in recycled bottles in an aim to reduce plastic waste. Pupils have a wealth of opportunities available to them to support their development. Trips, such as to the British Museum to find out about Ancient Egypt, enhance their learning. Work with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and the school's musicianship programme strongly develop pupils' musical talents. There are clear and consistent routines that help pupils to manage their own behaviours. They respond well to learning, persevering when they find tasks difficult. Pupils say there is no bullying in school. They are certain that if there was, leaders would deal with it quickly.

What the school should improve

• Pupils' misconceptions are not corrected quickly enough. Pupils make repeated mistakes. This limits their understanding. Staff need to identify pupils' errors and adapt learning so that pupils rectify misconceptions and build their knowledge well.
• Books that pupils are given to read are sometimes too difficult. As a result, pupils do not read as coherently as they could. Leaders need to ensure that the books that pupils are given are consistently well matched to their stage of phonics so that they read with increased fluency.

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