Spotland Primary School has maintained its good rating in the latest Ofsted inspection conducted on January 10, 2019. The leadership team has been praised for sustaining the quality of education and creating a harmonious and culturally diverse environment where students thrive. The school offers a rich curriculum with engaging activities such as kayaking, dance, drama, and practical science investigations. Students in Years 4, 5, and 6 participate in annual residential learning opportunities to enhance their teamwork and leadership skills.
A standout feature of the school is its commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that no pupil or family is turned away. The school celebrates its diversity, with students speaking 36 different languages. Staff work tirelessly to support pupils who join mid-year, including asylum seekers and those who have faced traumatic experiences. Staff morale is high, with middle leaders showing a clear understanding of school priorities and a focus on raising pupil attainment.
Parents have expressed strong support for the school, noting effective communication and a focus on meeting the diverse needs of their children. The school has successfully addressed previous areas for improvement, particularly in enhancing the role of middle leaders in improving teaching quality. However, the report noted that not all learning activities are sufficiently challenging for the most able pupils.
Safeguarding practices at Spotland Primary are robust, with a strong culture of safety embedded within the school. Leaders maintain excellent relationships with parents and external agencies, ensuring all necessary checks for staff suitability are conducted diligently. Pupils feel safe and cared for, with mechanisms in place for reporting concerns and addressing bullying.
The inspection findings highlighted areas for improvement in the teaching of phonics, the performance of disadvantaged pupils, and the overall attainment of students. While the school has made strides in phonics instruction, there is a need for further improvement in challenging the most able pupils and ensuring all students can apply their skills across subjects. Attendance has improved, reflecting the school's efforts to engage families and emphasize the importance of consistent attendance for learning.
In conclusion, the Ofsted report outlines next steps for Spotland Primary School, including providing more challenging work for the most able pupils, broadening students' understanding of various authors, and enhancing the application of mathematical skills across the curriculum. The school community is encouraged to continue its commitment to excellence in education, ensuring all pupils are supported in their learning journeys. The full report will be published on the Ofsted website, and a copy has been shared with the chair of the governing body and the local authority.
