Ofsted praise for ‘inclusive’ Blyth school
An ‘inclusive’ school where “staff seek to make learning accessible for all’’ has won praise from Ofsted inspectors in their latest report.
St Wilfrid’s Catholic Primary School in Blyth was described as promoting “positive and nurturing relationships” between staff and pupils, while the children were “confident, inquisitive and happy members of the school community” who “benefit from the school’s determination to ‘make a difference to our children’s lives’”.
“All are welcomed, cared for and safe at this inclusive school,” stated the report. “Throughout school, pupils embody a clear sense of belonging… Coming from a wide range of backgrounds and ethnicities, pupils across school learn and play together in harmony.”
“Pupils show respect and tolerance for one another,” it continued. “Classrooms are alive to the chatter of positive learning.
“Pupils behave well and display positive attitudes to learning… Leaders and staff have established a consistent and effective ethos for behaviour across the school.”
The inspectors were also impressed with the curriculum at St Wilfrid’s, which is a member of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust.
“Leaders have a clear and strategic understanding of the quality of the school’s curriculums and how these are taught,” they said. “As a consequence of leaders’ insight, clear improvements to subject curriculums, and the teaching of the curriculums, are evident across the school.
“The focus on strong foundations for all pupils is having positive impact in the classroom. Children and pupils of all ages and needs have the basic skills in reading that they need to access the wider curriculum. Through effective adaptations to learning and timely support, this also applies to pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who are otherwise vulnerable.”
The school’s approach to pupils’ wellbeing was another area highlighted in the report, which noted “Leaders and staff across school have a clear focus on pupils’ wider development beyond the academic.”
The inspectors added: “A coherent programme of study gives pupils the knowledge, skills and moral compass that they need to understand the importance of making positive choices, including in their online and offline presence.
"This programme develops pupils’ understanding of fundamental British values. It enables them to become socially aware at an appropriate level."
Executive headteacher Louise Nealings was delighted with the report’s findings.
“Our inspection was a very positive experience, and we are incredibly proud of our children and staff at St Wilfrid’s,” she said.
“It was particularly pleasing to see the work of the interim leadership team recognised by inspectors, especially their strong focus on improving teaching and learning.
“This outcome reflects the dedication, commitment, and hard work of the entire school community, and we are excited to continue to build on these successes for the benefit of all our pupils.”