Holbeach school gets ‘good’ rating from Ofsted inspectors

‘Eco-warriors and reading rascals’ are celebrating after their school has been rated as ‘good’ by inspectors.

William Stukeley Church of England Primary School in Holbeach was described as a ‘happy and caring’ place by the Ofsted team which visited the site in April.

The school was given five ‘good’ ratings and one ‘outstanding’ for personal development during the latest inspection.

The Spalding Road school was last inspected in 2014 when it was also received an good rating.

The report states: “The school is a happy and caring place. Pupils enjoy learning here. Many parents said that their child loves coming to school. The school's '4 R's' principles (respect and care for ourselves, each other, the environment and our learning) are understood by all pupils. They said they help them to behave, treat others well and learn well.

“There are positive and supportive relationships between staff and pupils. Pupils are polite and well-mannered. Most pupils have positive attitudes to learning. They show respect to each other.

“At playtime and lunchtime, pupils enjoy playing different games. Staff and pupil-playground leaders help to organise these. This helps pupils to develop their social skills.

“Pupils feel safe in school. They know they can talk to a range of staff if they have any worries. They can also go to pupil well-being champions for support. Pupils benefit from an excellent personal development programme.

“They have many opportunities to contribute to the school and to develop their character. Pupils can be eco-warriors, reading rascals, reading buddies and part of the school council. Many pupils are proud to take on these roles. Many pupils also enjoy attending after-school clubs such as ‘dotty art’, dodgeball and football.”

Inspectors praised the school’s’ broad and ambitious curriculum for all pupils’ with knowledge and vocabulary being carefully planned out in some subjects.

But, inspectors, say the fact that school has not precisely planned out the important knowledge in other subjects means that pupils do not learn as well as they should.

The report adds: “In some lessons, teachers do not always implement the curriculum consistently well. The school is developing the monitoring of how well the curriculum is implemented so that inconsistencies can be addressed. This work is at an early stage.”

The school has also been praised for its decision to prioritised reading and that staff deliver phoneics learning well with children who are struggling given support.

William Stukeley was also celebrated for its support of pupils with special educational needs and inspectors described reception as a ‘secure and nurturing environment’.

The report states: “The school has high expectations of how pupils should behave. Pupils meet these expectations. Pupils attend school well. The school ensures that pupils who attend less regularly get the support they need.”

The school is well-led, say inspectors, with ‘exceptional’ provision for personal development.