Witton Gilbert Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 28 September 2022

Leaders in this small community primary school teach their pupils to appreciate the world. Pupils respect the environment. They are encouraged to explore and play outdoors. Pupils wear their wellies during social times, and each class has a well-tended gardening bed. Pupils enjoy gardening club and 'eco group'. Leaders have high expectations for what pupils will learn. Leaders ensure that pupils' learning is supported by practical experiences outside the classroom. Leaders are passionate about being an inclusive community. Staff ensure that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported effectively so that they are included in all aspects of school life. Leaders have created a culture where pupils are resilient. Pupils do not worry about making mistakes. They are happy to 'have a go'. Older pupils enjoy residential trips where they are challenged to push themselves. Pupils behave well. They are happy and feel cared for. They know that teachers look after them. Pupils are taught how to deal with friendship issues. Pupils agree that bullying is rare. They say that teachers tackle bullying. Most pupils would report bullying. However, some pupils feel that some teachers take bullying more seriously than others.

What the school should improve

• Pupils struggle to remember some of the content that they have learned over time. They do not revisit key knowledge regularly. This means it is difficult for them to build on their prior learning and secure their understanding. Leaders should ensure they introduce robust systems to help pupils remember what they have learned in the long term. They should also ensure that teachers check pupils' understanding in order to uncover gaps in pupils' understanding and close them very quickly.

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