Gatley Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

The school puts pupils' learning at the centre of everything it does.

It has very high expectations for its pupils. In lessons, pupils work hard and produce work of high quality. They achieve very well.

They are exceptionally well prepared for the next stage in their education.

Pupils are happy and feel safe. They reported that staff look after their mental health in different ways, such as through 'well-being Wednesdays' and mindfulness sessions.

The school is a happy, calm and supportive environment. Pupils said that the school helps them to express themselves and they can be who they are. Their behaviour is exemplary.

They are kind, polit...e and respectful of each other.

An exciting range of cultural visits, such as to museums, helps to inspire pupils. Staff develop pupils' talents and interests exceptionally well through a very wide array of clubs and sports.

Examples include journaling, music, science, athletics and dodgeball. In addition, every year group showcases its learning through drama productions, for example a play that some pupils performed about the ancient Egyptians.

Pupils have a strong voice.

For example, the pupil parliament has opportunities to suggest improvements and shape the work of the school. Older pupils spoke excitedly about a recent residential trip where they developed leadership and team-building skills.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school, together with the CEO, local governors and trustees, has established an environment that enables pupils to grow and develop both academically and personally.

The school has developed a very ambitious curriculum that sets out the knowledge, skills and vocabulary that pupils need to learn, starting from the early years. It has given careful thought to the order of topics in all subject curriculums. This helps pupils to know and remember more over time.

Pupils make excellent progress through the curriculum.

Staff use their strong subject knowledge to implement the curriculum exceptionally well. They present and explain concepts clearly.

Pupils accurately apply vocabulary in their work. Staff regularly check pupils' understanding of previous learning. This helps to deepen pupils' learning.

Staff address any errors and misconceptions before moving on to more complex learning. Pupils enjoy discussing and debating issues, including about global perspectives.

In the Nursery class, children show high levels of concentration, for example as they filled their water cans up by themselves.

They talked to their friends about the plants that they were growing and why they need to water them. Children in the Reception Year were engrossed in learning as they explored sinking and floating. They explored which materials it would be best to use to make their boats and why.

They used vocabulary such as 'heavier and 'lighter' as they experimented. They develop a strong base of knowledge on which to build in Year 1.

Staff promote a love of reading as soon as children start at the school.

Children in the Nursery class are immersed in sharing storybooks, singing songs and learning rhymes. Teachers are well trained and deliver the phonics programme with an extremely high level of consistency. Pupils practise reading using books that staff closely match to the sounds that they have learned.

Staff give very effective support to pupils who struggle with learning to read. As a result, these pupils catch up quickly. The school ensures that pupils read a wide range of enjoyable, high-quality texts often.

Pupils relish talking and writing about books across the whole curriculum. They learn to read with accuracy, fluency and confidence.

The school identifies the additional needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) promptly and accurately.

These pupils follow the same ambitious curriculum as their peers. Pupils with SEND progress well through the curriculum.

Pupils' behaviour in lessons and around the school is excellent.

Low-level disruption is very rare. The school uses effective strategies to make sure that pupils attend school regularly. Most pupils have excellent attendance rates.

The school's provision for pupils' personal development is exceptional. Pupils learn about important topics, such as equality, diversity and tolerance. They spoke with enthusiasm about what they know about different religions.

Pupils develop a strong understanding of age-appropriate relationships. They enjoy contributing to the wider community, including by planting plants in flower beds and supporting food banks. Older pupils enjoy being play leaders and help younger pupils to play games with equipment.

Staff, including those at the start of their careers, are proud to work at the school. They appreciate the opportunities that they have to develop the curriculum. They spoke highly of how the school prioritises their well-being and workload, including when planning new initiatives.

Local governors and trustees ask probing questions and provide strong support. This has helped to ensure rigorous oversight of all aspects of the school's work.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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