Primary school maintains ‘Good’ rating after Ofsted inspection

A village primary school has maintained its ‘Good’ rating following a recent visit by Ofsted inspectors.

Waltham-on-the-Wolds CE Primary School was judged ‘Good’ by inspectors following the visit on April 25 and 26.

Shaheen Hussain, who led the inspection, focussed on a number of strengths in the school saying ‘pupils achieve well’, there are ‘effective and trusting relationships with families’ as well as a ‘wide range of opportunities on offer’ and that pupils are ‘respectful and tolerant of everyone in the school community and beyond’. Inspectors also praised the ambition of leaders to ensure every child is a reader.

Julie Hopkins, executive headteacher, welcomed the report and said: “I am so proud of each and every one of our children and staff; they were able to let their light shine throughout the inspection, just as they do each day.

“I’d like to thank staff for their dedication and commitment to teaching and learning and to the Rise family who have worked with us to enable all to flourish and succeed. Special thanks to Head of School, Miss Geeson, who works diligently and passionately each day to ensure Waltham School is the best it can be.”

The report highlighted how leaders are relentless in their focus to ensure that all pupils recall more knowledge over time.

It says pupils with SEND learn the same curriculum as their peers and do well because leaders quickly identify pupils’ barriers and put in the right support.

Pupils know of the importance of positive mental health and recognise they might find things hard, but that they should ‘keep trying and not let things get you down’.

It adds that pupils are respectful and tolerant of everyone in the school community and beyond and that most parents and carers speak highly of the school.

The full can be read at reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/140913 and visits to the school can be arranged through https://www.waltham.leics.sch.uk/

Mark Cole, CEO of Rise Multi Academy Trust, added: “We are delighted that the hard work of staff at Waltham has been recognised. As a family of schools, we work tirelessly to support each school in its improvement journey. This will be the fourth Ofsted inspection that recognises the positive impact of the Trust’s work on curriculum and teacher workload.”