Pupils feel "safe and supported" at Ashfield Primary School
Pupils and staff at an Ashfield primary school are celebrating after being praised by Ofsted inspectors.
Orchard Primary School and Nursery received the “expected standard” in six out of seven areas inspected including attendance and behaviour, inclusion and curriculum and teaching.
Alison Prodger, headteacher said: “The school is on a school improvement journey and we were pleased that Ofsted acknowledged the work already that has taken place to drive up standards.
"As a school we will continue to drive the school towards being the best it can be. We are pleased that Ofsted could see how tight knit and supportive the Orchard team are who work hard every day in the best interests of the children. We are glad that they could see how the school has worked hard to provide an inclusive culture where all children are valued and spoke positively about the range of enrichment opportunities available to them.”
Achievement however, was given the ‘needs attention’ rating with inspectors noting: “Typically, pupils’ attainment at the end of Year 6 is lower than national averages and too many pupils are not well-prepared for secondary school.”
Inspectors praised the personal development and wellbeing at the school stating: “Leaders prioritise their holistic vision for pupils’ personal development and wellbeing. The school’s carefully considered programme supports pupils’ belonging, confidence, relationships, and emotional understanding well.”
Inspectors also praised behaviour at the school in Chapel Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield.
The report states: “Staff teach pupils to manage their emotions and stand up for themselves respectfully, without hurting anyone. As a result, unkindness, bullying or discriminatory behaviour are very rare.”
Meanwhile the nursery provision at the school was said to be a “warm and nurturing environment”.
Inspectors added: “Pupils are proud of their school and attend regularly. They feel safe and supported in the welcoming and nurturing environment.”
The school was inspected under Ofsted’s new inspection framework, which no longer results in a single overall grade. Instead, schools receive a detailed report card with separate judgements across key areas of school life.
To further improve inspectors said leaders should strengthen and embed recent improvements in mathematics and writing to “ensure pupils develop secure strong foundations that support their future learning and enable all pupils to achieve well.”