Good rating for Spalding school where ‘expectations of behaviour and work are high’

A school where ‘expectations of behaviour and work are high’ has maintained its good rating.

Spalding Monkshouse Primary School has been described as ‘well led’ while the pupils are ‘enthusiastic’, according to an Ofsted report published last week.

Headteacher Sue Goodsell said she felt the inspection was thorough and fair and the report is an accurate reflection of the school.

“I am incredibly proud that the report recognises the hard work of staff and the wonderful enrichment opportunities that the school offers all the children,” she continued.

“Children reported that they enjoy coming to school, love their lessons and feel happy and safe here.

“The report highlighted our high expectations in behaviour and learning alongside the excellent attitudes of our children. Children get off to an excellent start to their learning journey and make strong, positive relationships with each other and with staff.”

Following a visit on November 7 and 8, inspectors wrote: “(Pupils) are proud of their school and make every effort to do well.

“Pupils enjoy the challenge of their interesting lessons. As one pupil said, ‘I like maths because every lesson gets harder’!”

The report found that youngsters ‘live out the school values of respect and perseverance’, ‘behave well in the classroom and on the playground’ and ‘feel happy and safe at school’.

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It added that relationships between adults and pupils are ‘positive’, the ‘school takes prompt action to deal with any bullying’ and ‘parents hold the school in very high regard’.

Spalding Monkshouse, which currently has 460 youngsters on its roll, was also rated good at its previous inspection in November 2013, with this being its first inspection since the pandemic.

Highlighting what the school does well, the report said: “Children make meaningful choices in their learning.

“They learn to become independent learners.

“Reading is a top priority in early years and across the whole school.

“All subjects are important at this school... The school is quick to identify pupils with SEND.”

The report added that ‘most pupils attend clubs’ which include chess, ukulele and fun fitness.

While youngsters learn about a wide-range of people from different backgrounds and beliefs, the report added ‘some pupils do not have a secure understanding of fundamental British values’.

The report outlined areas where the school needs to improve.

These were ensuring its new phonics programme is ‘fully embedded, helping all pupils learn to read successfully’ and ensuring ‘pupils have an age-appropriate depth of understanding of the key British values’.

Ofsted attends schools rated good to carry out ungraded inspections, where graded judgements are not given.

However, if evidence is found that a school would now receive a higher or lower grade, the next inspection will be a graded inspection.

Chair of governors Alistair Main said: “While we don’t exist just to obtain a single word rating from Ofsted, the governing body is delighted that the hard work the staff put into the education and care of the children has been recognised and they should be rightfully proud of their work.”

Mrs Goodsell added: “The curriculum is ambitious and creative enabling all children to make progress.

“The children spoke positively about their learning and how they are supported to be their very best selves.

“Feedback from parents was extremely positive with one parent quoted in the report: “I couldn’t be more grateful to a wonderful school and to teachers who make a difference”.”