Ofsted 'Good' grading praises St James pupil's confidence in their learning
"Pupils thrive in this friendly and welcoming school. It is a nurturing and inclusive place in which to learn. The school has high expectations of pupils’ achievements, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). As a result, pupils achieve well."
After Ofsted visited St James CE Primary in Hanney at the end of February the school is now celebrating official confirmation of its continued status as a ‘Good’ school. St James, part of the Vale Academy Trust, was last inspected in October 2018 when it was also found to be ‘Good’.
Inspectors found it to be a ‘friendly and welcoming school’ and ‘an inclusive place in which to learn’. Pupils’ politeness and consideration of others was also noted.
Headteacher Lucy Ottaway said “Ofsted recognised that we have high expectations of our pupils’ achievements, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, and that everyone is supported to achieve well. Our ambitious curriculum has reading at its heart and provides the stepping stones for building understanding and deep learning.”
“We are currently in the process of refining assessment in foundation subjects so that we can identify early knowledge gaps and to this end deepen children’s knowledge.”
“As a result of our staff developing caring relationships with our children, Ofsted reported that our pupils said they feel safe, happy and supported when they might have any worries or concerns. It’s very heartening to hear this from our pupils.”
Ofsted commented that through a raft of opportunities both inside and outside of school St James pupils learn how to be thoughtful, responsible members of the community, ‘buddying up’ with younger pupils, raising money for charity and proving themselves to be good role models.
Ms Ottaway added “I am extremely proud of them all, as I am of my staff, governors, parents and the community that surrounds St James CE Primary. We’ve all played our part in achieving our ‘Good’ grading.”
