Primary school classroom

Improvement needed at primary school says Ofsted

Last month (March), All Saints Primary school in Freshwater received a visit from Ofsted Inspectors.

It was the first inspection since 2013 when the school. Following the latest visit, the inspector found the school ‘Requires improvement’.

Highlights from report
It is not good because:

  • Achievement is not yet good because older pupils are still making up for the slow progress made in previous years.
  • For the past three years, attainment in reading, writing and mathematics was below average in Year 6. Although pupils are now making faster progress throughout the school, attainment in Year 6 is still below average.
  • Pupils’ handwriting, punctuation and spelling are not of a high enough standard. Teachers do not have high enough expectations of how pupils should present their written work.
  • Too few pupils have the confidence to use their mathematical skills when tackling new work or solving problems.
  • Teaching requires improvement because of inconsistencies in practice. The planned activities do not always help pupils to make good progress.
  • There has been too little emphasis on helping pupils develop good learning skills. Some pupils are not confident enough to work without adult support. The less-able pupils are sometimes given too much advice, which limits their learning.

The school has the following strengths

  • This is a swiftly improving school. The headteacher has resolutely continued to address weaknesses through a period of considerable staff change.
  • Leaders at all levels and governors contribute well to monitoring and improving the school’s effectiveness. The governing body carries out its duties effectively. Governors have a good understanding of the impact teaching has on pupils’ progress.
  • Better teaching in Key Stage 1 helps pupils in Years 1 and 2 to achieve well. Attainment at the end of Year 2 is rising and is average in reading.
  • Teaching in Reception has improved significantly and is now outstanding. Children make excellent progress. The large majority reach a good level of development by Year 1.
  • Disadvantaged pupils make good progress. They are closing the gap well on other pupils nationally, especially in mathematics.
  • Pupils enjoy school and behave well. Bullying incidents and poor attendance have decreased considerably since the previous inspection.
  • The school’s work to keep pupils safe and free from harm is outstanding. Pupils say they are very well looked after and parents agree.

The report
Full details can be found in the report below. Click on the full screen icon to see larger version.


Image: knittymarie under CC BY 2.0