AN inspector has praised a village primary school’s “ambitions for its pupils to fly high”.
Ofsted visited St Helen’s Church of England Primary School in Alveston at the end of January, just over five years after a previous inspection report said the school was ‘outstanding’ – its highest rating.
The regulator no longer routinely gives schools one-word overall ratings.
But inspector Jason Edge said the school had maintained its previous standards.
Citing the school’s motto, he said: “The school has ambitions for its pupils to ‘fly high’. Typically, these are realised but the school is ambitious for pupils to learn even more.”
St Helen’s, at Greenhill, has 207 pupils aged from four to 11.
The report praised the school’s “calm and purposeful atmosphere”, with children behaving well in lessons and those in the Early Years classes listening well to adults.
The work of the school’s ‘Nest’, supporting pupils with special educational needs or disabilities who struggle with their emotions, was also highlighted.
Ofsted said the school had strengths in reading from the early years onwards, with pupils who fall behind “quickly spotted” and helped to catch up.
The inspector said pupils “develop a love of literature in the school’s impressive ‘reading plane'” – the fuselage of a Filton-built BAe 146 airliner installed in the grounds as a library.
He said: “Pupils work hard and take pride in the presentation of their work. They discuss their learning with enthusiasm.”
The school’s “broad and ambitious curriculum” was highlighted, starting from reception.
Leaders outline clearly the knowledge pupils should know so teachers know precisely what to teach, the report said.
The school was also recognised for its emphasis on sport.
The inspector said: “Pupils talk proudly about representing the school in tournaments.
“This helps them to understand the importance of teamwork.
“Older pupils learn about independence and perseverance through residential trips.
“Pupils develop strong leadership skills through roles and responsibilities, such as ‘reception buddies’ and house captains.”
The report highlighted that the school continues to “review its work to address any weaknesses”.
The inspector said: “Staff’s workload has improved recently, following a period where they raised concerns.
“They feel that the school takes these issues seriously and acts on them.
“Staff support each other well and are proud to work at the school.”
To further improve, the inspector said the school needed to ensure all work given to pupils matches “the high ambition of the curriculum” and deepens their knowledge.
He also said support for pupils with SEND needs to be individually adapted, to ensure they all receive the precise support they need to learn well, as identified on their learning plans.
Executive head teacher Julie Simpson said: “We are very pleased with the outcome of our recent ‘ungraded’ inspection and continue to fly high at St Helen’s School.
“Ofsted recognised our commitment to the children and families of the community we serve and we continue to work hard to improve our provision and be the best that we can be.”