STAFF and pupils at Wilden All Saints CE Primary School in Stourport are celebrating after being graded ‘outstanding’ in all areas by Ofsted.
The school received the top grade for the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision.
Inspectors said they found the school leaders ‘highly ambitious for pupils to succeed’ and they added pupils behaved ‘exceptionally well’ and ‘achieved highly’, including those disadvantaged or with special educational needs.
Charlotte McDonald, head of school, said: “We are delighted the inspectors acknowledged the sustained and consistently high standards of education as well as the truly unique qualities of Wilden.
“The incredible feedback in this report reflects not the efforts of a single person or group, but rather the unwavering commitment of our staff, children, parents and the wider community over many years.”
The inspectors praised staff for having a ‘carefully designed curriculum that is highly ambitious’, and for putting reading at the heart of learning.
Importance of reading
The spotless report said: “The wide range of enriching activities and well-resourced classrooms bring reading to life.
“The school quickly identifies when pupils are at the early stage of reading or at risk of falling behind.
“Staff provide highly effective bespoke support to ensure pupils become confident and fluent readers.”
Last month’s inspection found attendance levels very high, children having a wealth of opportunities to take on leadership roles and real-life experiences, such as a recent Roman Day which ‘brought learning to life’.
Staff at the school, which is part of the Severn Academies Educational Trust, told the inspectors they felt ‘very well supported’ by leaders and the trust. The report also highlighted how governors held leaders to account through effective visits and reviews.
Shelley Reeves-Walters, executive headteacher for the trust’s six primary schools, said: “I am thrilled for the community at Wilden, the staff are so hard working and always go the extra mile for the wonderful children at our school.
“There are so many people who have contributed significantly to the ongoing success and everyone should feel very proud of this well-deserved achievement.
“I know the team is very grateful to everyone for their love and support, and the light and legacy of our dearly missed late headteacher Francesca Fishwick, who passed away in 2020, still burns brightly in our school.”
