Woodthorpe Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Woodthorpe Primary School is an exceptional community of happy learners, where pupils 'aim high and have fun'.

Pupils flourish at this inclusive and nurturing school. They are proud to be part of the Woodthorpe family. Pupils are warmly welcomed by staff at the start of the school day.

Relationships at all levels are extremely respectful and caring.

Pupils have high expectations of themselves and show a readiness to learn. Staff know pupils very well.

There is a strong sense of togetherness and belonging. This is demonstrated in the genuine care that staff and pupils show towards each other. Pupils know that adults will listen to any worries they hav...e.

As a result, pupils feel safe.

Pupils' behaviour across school is exemplary. Pupils are highly respectful towards staff, their peers and visitors.

They greet everyone with smiles and hold open doors. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), value the wealth of experiences that this school offers. They grasp every opportunity to learn something new.

For example, they enjoy singing for adults who have dementia and perform at a local theatre every year. The school meticulously plans this wider offer so that all pupils can benefit from a rich range of opportunities.

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

The school is highly aspirational for all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged.

Over recent years, the school has developed a bespoke, balanced and ambitious curriculum. This is deliberately set out and implemented with fine attention to detail. In all subjects, including the areas of learning in the early years, leaders have identified the important knowledge and skills that pupils need to learn and remember.

This is logically sequenced so that pupils return to, practise and embed important concepts. This allows them to consistently apply and connect their learning across the curriculum, building a real depth of knowledge and understanding.

Lessons are not disturbed by low-level disruption because pupils show highly positive attitudes to their learning.

They behave well and are attentive. Staff regularly check on pupils' understanding and quickly help those who are stuck or need extra help. Pupils remember in great detail what they have learned.

For example, they confidently discuss the art techniques used to design and create a piece of Mayan art, linking this to the techniques used by Leonardo da Vinci. In history, pupils have a secure and thorough knowledge of ancient Egypt and Anglo-Saxons.

Staff provide pupils with SEND with excellent support.

These pupils achieve very well because staff make skilful adaptations in lessons to ensure that they can access and learn the same curriculum as their peers.

The school promotes a love of reading with all pupils. The foundations of this are established in Nursery, where staff support children exceptionally well to listen to sounds, songs and rhymes.

The phonics programme supports pupils very well to become confident and fluent readers. Pupils who struggle to master phonics receive additional help and catch up promptly.

Highly skilled staff in early years ensure that children get off to an excellent start.

They work closely with parents and carers and get to know children individually. Staff design learning activities that match children's needs and interests alongside the key knowledge they want children to know and remember. Children thrive, cooperate consistently well and demonstrate high levels of self-control.

Children become eager learners. This enthusiasm for learning continues as pupils move through the school.

The school's personal development and wider curriculum offer is exceptional.

Staff take every opportunity for pupils to experience and learn about the world around them. There is a strong and deliberate focus on helping pupils to think about their future lives and career opportunities. They have opportunities to visit other countries and benefit from specialist music teaching.

Daily circle time helps pupils to manage their feelings and to help others. Pupils share how they are feeling and learn how to celebrate difference. Pupils have a strong understanding of equality and equity.

Their knowledge around protected characteristics is a shining light to others. The school council and local councillor work together to find ways of improving anti-social behaviour in the community.

The trust and the school are united in their relentless determination to ensure that every pupil achieves their full potential.

Staff benefit from a strong training offer from the trust. There is a clear culture of teamwork. Staff appreciate how leaders consider their workload and well-being.

Parents are supportive of the school's work. One parent reflected this by saying, 'This is a fantastic school that nurtures the whole child.'

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.