A primary school where pupils feel proud to attend was rated ‘good’ by Ofsted following its latest inspection.
Water Primary School in Burnley Road East, Water, Rossendale, received a ‘good’ rating following their inspection on July 18 and 19, retaining the same rating they received in 2012.
The school, which received ‘good’ in all five key areas, was praised for its commitment to improving the school and fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.
Pupils have responded well to the leaders’ efforts with the report stating: “They feel safe and happy at the school. Pupils appreciate the learning environments that leaders and teachers provide for them.
“They particularly value opportunities to play and to learn outdoors. Pupils know that their teachers want the best for them.
“They try their utmost to meet staff’s high expectations of their behaviour and of what they can achieve. They strive to earn a place on the classroom recognition boards.
“Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), typically learn and achieve well.”
Inspectors noted that pupils are well mannered and ‘proud’ to belong to the close-knit community at Water Primary School, adding that children have a strong sense of belonging.
The report said: “Pupils have an age-appropriate understanding of equality and diversity. They learn to respect the differences that people may have, such as religious beliefs, appearance and sexual orientation.
“Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes towards their learning. There is no disruption in lessons. At playtimes, pupils engage well with outdoor activities alongside their friends.”
Reading is prioritised across the years and staff provide support to help pupils who are at risk of falling behind in reading, catch up quickly and most pupils learn to read “accurately and fluently” by the time they reach key stage 2.
Children are encouraged to read by being rewarded ‘star reader’ and older students enjoy spending time each week reading with early years pupils.
In terms of the curriculum, the inspectors found the content is “broad and knowledge rich” and leaders provide teachers with training to enable most pupils to achieve well.
Pupils with SEND are quickly identified and supported by leaders and staff who work closely with parents and carers, to provide effective learning.
The report states: “This helps these pupils to follow the full curriculum and to enjoy all the experiences that the school has to offer. Highly effective strategies and pastoral support enable pupils with SEND to achieve well.”
However, the report noted that sometimes teachers aren’t quick enough in identifying pupils’ errors and misunderstandings so “from time to time, pupils make mistakes that go unchecked.”
Safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with leaders ensuring a strong culture of safeguarding.
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