Staff, pupils and parents at Cheddar Grove Primary School are celebrating an exceptional Ofsted report in which children’s behaviour is described as exemplary.
The inspectors, who rate the school as Outstanding in four out of five categories, praise pupils for being polite and courteous in and outside the classroom.
‘Pupils are proud to attend this inclusive and welcoming school. They describe the school as a place where everyone is kind, helpful and eager to learn,’ the report says. ‘Relationships between staff and pupils are highly respectful.’
A team of three inspectors visited Cheddar Grove, a large school with 476 pupils aged three to 11, in June and its report has just been published.
As well as being impressed with the children’s behaviour and attitudes, Ofsted is full of praise for the learning and teaching in the school. The report uses the word ‘ambitious’ five times.
‘Leaders have created a curriculum that is designed exceptionally well. In all subjects, the curriculum identifies precisely what pupils need to know and when they need to know it, from the early years to Year 6,’ the inspectors stated.
They highlight the priority given to reading, the successful teaching of phonics, children’s confidence in maths, and teachers’ strong subject knowledge.
‘Pupils display exceptionally positive attitudes towards their learning. As a result, their learning progresses without interruption. Children in the early years settle into new routines quickly. They take turns and play well together. The environment in classrooms and around the school is calm and purposeful.
‘Leaders are ambitious for what all pupils with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) can achieve. Staff know the pupils well and identify their needs accurately.’
The report notes a strong culture of safeguarding in the school. It says children are given, ‘wide-ranging and exciting’ opportunities to develop personally.
Ofsted judges the school as Outstanding for leadership and management, early years provision, behaviour and attitudes and personal development and Good for quality of education.
The inspectors praise Futura Learning Trust, which Cheddar Grove joined in 2019, for its support of the school, in particular providing ‘a highly effective development programme to upskill staff’. Trustees and governors are said to accurately understand what the school does well and where it needs to improve.
Headteacher Paul Jeffery said, “We are delighted that the inspectors found so many areas of outstanding practice at our school. This excellent report is testament to all the hard work and dedication of all those involved in the life of Cheddar Grove Primary School: our wonderful children, our committed staff, and the fantastic support we receive from our whole school community. Everyone plays a part in ensuring our pupils flourish from the moment they start school.”
Andrea Arlidge, chief executive of Futura Learning Partnership, added, “I am so pleased and proud that the excellence of Cheddar Grove Primary School has been recognised by Ofsted.
Cheddar Grove is a strong and valued member of our family of schools. Its staff and pupils make a great contribution to our collaboration and partnership working, which is key in helping ensure children in south Bristol receive the exceptional education they deserve.”