Ofsted conducted a short inspection of The Victory Primary School on 7 February 2019, following its previous judgment of good in April 2015. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team, under Mr. James Hartley, has effectively strengthened the school's operations and demonstrated a strong commitment to inclusivity, which is evident in the school's values of kindness, respect, determination, teamwork, and excellence. The positive relationships between pupils and staff contribute to a harmonious learning environment where pupils feel valued and supported.
Pupils take pride in their school and exhibit good behavior in lessons, showing curiosity and interest in their learning. The strong rapport between pupils and adults fosters a culture of confidence, encouraging pupils to engage actively in their education. Observations in the early years highlighted effective teamwork among pupils, particularly during collaborative projects. The specialist provision for certain pupils is well integrated, allowing for smooth transitions between classes, supported by skilled staff.
The local governing body and trustees share the school's ambitions and provide constructive challenge and support. They have a clear understanding of the school's effectiveness, aided by insightful visits from the trust's regional director. The school has addressed previous areas for improvement, notably in attendance, through innovative initiatives like popular breakfast clubs, which have notably reduced persistent absenteeism.
Safeguarding practices are robust, with a strong culture that extends into the community. The school has established effective links with the local secondary school, ensuring a smooth transition for pupils. Pupils report feeling safe, and parents echo this sentiment. The curriculum is designed to equip pupils with knowledge about safety in various contexts, including online environments.
Leaders have a clear vision for the curriculum, which has seen improvements across subjects. The curriculum is structured to develop pupils' knowledge and understanding, with opportunities for cross-curricular links. For instance, Year 2 pupils create art based on historical learning. However, the presentation of written work in subjects outside English and mathematics requires further attention.
Pupils enjoy their learning and are eager to participate in lessons. The curriculum encourages deep thinking through key questions, fostering knowledge retention over time. Moral and ethical understanding is also emphasized, as seen in Year 3's exploration of humanism, where pupils relate lessons to their own character.
While leaders accurately assess teaching quality and provide targeted support for staff development, some curriculum changes are not yet fully embedded across all year groups. The English curriculum has seen notable improvements, with engaging texts motivating pupils, particularly boys, to write more. Disadvantaged pupils receive strong support, and their progress is evident in their work.
Moving forward, it is essential for middle leaders to implement the senior leaders' vision and enhance the wider curriculum. Additionally, the pride pupils have in their school should be reflected in the quality of their work across all subjects. The inspection findings highlight the school's strengths while identifying areas for continued development to ensure sustained improvement and excellence in education.
