Woodthorpe CofE Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 14 March 2023

Pupils enjoy attending this inclusive and welcoming school. They say they feel safe and happy because everyone looks after each other. They try to 'learn and grow together to be the best they can be.' The school's values help pupils to care for and respect each other. Pupils are polite and friendly to staff and visitors. Parents and carers are supportive of the school. One parent expressed the view of many when they said, 'My children absolutely love this school, it is like one big family. Nothing is too much trouble. The staff are amazing.' Pupils are also very positive about their school; they value it and like it. They know there are trusted adults, who will support them to learn and keep safe. Staff know the pupils well and relationships are very positive. Leaders have high expectations of what all pupils should learn. They are passionate about providing an environment which prepares pupils to be 'strong and courageous'. Staff are determined to give pupils lots of memorable experiences through the 'Woodthorpe Promise'. Pupils behave well in lessons and around the school. Bullying rarely happens and if it occurs, pupils are confident that all staff will deal with it effectively.

What the school should improve

• Leaders have not ensured that teachers consistently implement the full curriculum across all subjects. In some subjects that are taught through topics, for example, leaders have not ensured that teachers consistently identify and teach the most important knowledge that pupils should learn. When this is the case, pupils do not develop their understanding as fully as they could. Leaders should ensure that pupils are able to learn topics in a manner that enables them to be able to remember and apply the key knowledge they need for future learning.
• In some foundation subjects, leaders have not yet created an assessment framework that clearly details the small steps of progress required in each year group. As a result, pupils in mixed-age classes work towards the same curriculum aims. This can limit how well these pupils can achieve. Leaders need to ensure that an appropriate assessment framework is in place across all foundation subjects, so that pupils receive the support and guidance they need to achieve as highly as they can.

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