Chichester school praised by Ofsted following inspection
A Chichester school has been praised following a recent inspection by Ofsted.
Aldingbourne Primary School, in Westergate Street, was judged to be meeting the expected standard across a range of areas, including ‘achievement’, ‘attendance and behaviour’, ‘curriculum and teaching’, ‘early years’, ‘inclusion’, ‘leadership and governance’, and ‘personal development and wellbeing’.
The officers report stated: “Children in the early years settle quickly and feel secure. They arrive calmly and engage readily with activities. Relationships between staff and children are warm and supportive. Staff know children well and respond sensitively to their needs. Consequently, children are curious and inquisitive learners who are prepared for the curriculum in Year 1.
“Staff talk with children throughout the day and encourage them well to complete tasks, and praise the work they do. Songs, rhymes and stories bring language and early reading, writing and mathematics to life. Daily phonics lessons help children learn to read and write words and simple sentences accurately.”
The report also praised the school for helping support ‘pupils’ personal development and wellbeing.
The report added: “Leaders have designed a well-thought-out curriculum for pupils’ personal, social, health education (PSHE). It provides pupils with the important knowledge that they need to keep safe and make sense of the world around them. PSHE lessons enable pupils to reflect thoughtfully on a range of issues that matter in their lives.
“Performing arts is held in high esteem at the school. Leaders ensure that there are annual opportunities for all pupils to perform in high calibre shows. Pupils benefit from a wide range of wider experiences. These opportunities support pupils’ personal development and wellbeing. They take part in clubs, visits and activities linked to the local and wider community.”
However, the report also identified areas where improvements could be made.
The report stated: “Governors should strengthen their evaluation of the school's strengths and areas for further development, and provide robust challenge to leaders as to their precise implementation and impact.
“Leaders should continue to refine the curriculum to ensure that high-quality teaching is embedded across all subjects and year groups, enabling all pupils to make progress from their starting points.
“Leaders should ensure that systems for monitoring and improving attendance are rigorous and effective, with timely challenge and support provided where attendance falls below expectations.”