Swindon primary school rated as outstanding (From This Is Wiltshire)

PUPILS and staff at Haydon Wick Primary School are celebrating after scoring the top grade in their Ofsted inspection.

The school is the first primary in Swindon to be judged as outstanding overall since the introduction of the new inspection framework last year.

Simon Cowley, who is in his sixth year as headteacher of the school, said everyone was delighted with the result.

“This is tremendous recognition for all the staff and pupils at Haydon Wick for their continued high standards and positive attitudes towards learning in school,” he said.

Under the new rigorous framework, it is expected that fewer than five per cent of schools in the country will achieve an outstanding judgment. The school, which has 270 pupils, was judged to be outstanding in every area of the framework.

“We make sure we have very clear expectations and standards and ensure staff and pupils have the right positive attitude,” said Mr Cowley.

“We create wow, awe and wonder moments for the pupils.”

Inspectors gave outstanding grades for achievement of pupils, quality of teaching, behaviour and safety of pupils, leadership and management, and overall effectiveness.

Inspectors said: “Pupils make excellent progress and their achievement is outstanding. Pupils who are eligible for additional funding from the Government (the pupil premium), those who are disabled and those with special educational needs also make outstanding achievement.

“Pupils reach levels of attainment that are well above national averages.

“Teaching is outstanding. Lessons are fast paced and fun, providing challenges for pupils that ensure there are opportunities for all groups to thrive.

“Behaviour is outstanding and this contributes strongly to the way pupils learn.

“Pupils’ attitudes are exceptionally positive and they appreciate how much their school cares for them.

“Bullying is extremely rare. Parents and carers are highly appreciative of how well their children get on at school.

“Leaders and managers ensure all aspects of the school’s work are outstanding.

“There is a shared ambition for everyone and the expectations of leaders are clearly communicated to both staff and pupils.

“The governing body provides outstanding support, guidance and challenge for the school.

“Their close involvement helps to develop exciting learning opportunities and to improve teaching, leadership and management.

“They actively contribute to pupils’ outstanding spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.”