Whissendine Primary School described as remarkable by Ofsted inspectors

Inspectors say a primary school’s DNA - the principles of discover, nurture and achieve - are the key to its success.

Whissendine Primary School has been described as remarkable following a two-day visit by Ofsted inspectors.

The quality of education, children’s personal development and early years provision were all rated as outstanding while the leadership, management and behaviour were rated as good.

Lead inspector Shaun Carter said: “The ‘Whissendine DNA’ is the bedrock of this remarkable village school. These three core principles of discover, nurture and achieve underpin the high-quality education and the exceptional personal development provision on offer.”

During his visit Mr Carter noted that pupils perform exceptionally well in English and maths, and that children with special educational needs or disabilities are well supported to succeed. Anyone who falls behind is given extra support to catch up

He added: “Pupils embody the school’s six R values of readiness, respect, resilience, resourcefulness, responsibility and reflection.”

His report also offered advice on two areas which could be improved.

Mr Carter found that some children do not remember key information in some subjects, so more work is needed to help them retain their knowledge. He also suggested that communication with parents could be improved after some said information is not always shared effectively.

Headteacher Sonia Schofield welcomed the report. She said: “We are incredibly proud of the outcomes we have achieved and are thrilled to be recognised as a 'remarkable village school'.

“The report accurately reflects the abundance of positive aspects of school life at Whissendine Primary School.

“Our children are amazing and I am delighted that the inspection team recognised this during their visit. Throughout the report our children are praised for their impeccable behaviour and outstanding attitudes towards learning - quite rightly so as they are true ambassadors of our school and are the ones who make it such a wonderful place to learn and work.”

Staff are already making plans to improve how well the children remember key facts, and to improve communication with parents.

Mrs Schofield added: “We're excited about what these changes are going to look like for our children.

“We are also going to consider refining our approach to connecting with families as we do recognise that they can be real champions for the fantastic work going on in our school.”