Ofsted Inspection Report

News

13th November 2017

We are delighted to be able to share the Ofsted Report, following the Inspection of our School on 10th-11th October.
 
Please read the Report in its entirety by clicking on the link below.  It can also be found by searching the 'Parents' tab and then selecting 'Ofsted'.
 
We are extremely pleased that many strengths have been recognized.  We have listed some of the main ones here:
  • The school's work to promote pupils' personal development and welfare is outstanding.
  • Family values are at the heart of the school.
  • The school is a bright, engaging, nurturing environment and is a very cohesive community.
  • The behaviour of pupils is outstanding.
  • Pupils' attitudes to their learning are extremely positive. 
  • Pupils take great pride in their work.  The presentation of work across all subjects, including handwriting, is of a consistently high standard across the school.
  • Pupils feel safe and exceptionally well cared for by all staff.  They behave with respect and consideration towards each other and speak politely and confidently to adults.
  • The school's curriculum is very well designed to meet the needs of pupils.
  • Numerous trips, visitors, after-school clubs and special events enrich pupils' learning and life experiences.
  • A well-established cycle of monitoring, support and challenge ensures that the quality of teaching, learning and assessment is consistently good and continuing to improve further.
  • Teachers display good subject knowledge and use appropriate technical vocabulary with precision.
  • Inspection evidence, including a thorough review of books, observations of learning in lessons and a detailed analysis of the school's assessment information, indicates good progress in reading, writing and mathematics across both key stages.
  • Effective teaching is characterized by very effective questioning that consistently assesses, probes and develops pupils' understanding well.
  • The deployment of well-trained teaching assistants and the impact that this has on pupils' progress are strengths of the school.
  • All adults have high expectations for pupils' academic achievement as well as their behaviour, and pupils rise to them, demonstrating a keenness to learn.
  • Pupils who have special educational needs and disabilities, and those identified as being vulnerable, are well supported and fully access the curriculum alongside their classmates.
  • The most able pupils in the school, including the most able disadvantaged pupils, achieve well across the school.
  • The responsiveness to children's needs and inspirational teaching are at the heart of the highly effective provision in the early years.
  • Classrooms and corridors provide vibrant learning environments for pupils.
  • High-quality professional development is a strength of the school.
  • The school has worked tirelessly at improving attendance
  • Parents told the inspectors that their children are happy at school and that staff are always welcoming
  • Governance is a strength of the school's work because governors provide rigorous challenge and support to school leaders.  They have an excellent understanding of how well the school is doing.
  • The headteacher demonstrates a determination and relentless drive for improvement that is shared by all leaders and staff.
One pupil summed up his experience at Lionel Walden by saying: "We take the best of all the teachers and blend them together to make us better people."
 
Thank you to all the staff for your hard work and commitment, to governors for your high level of involvement, to parents for your support in all aspects of school life and to our wonderful children of whom we are very proud.
 
If you have any questions, or would like any further information, please come in and speak to us.
 
Mrs Sally-Anne Barnard-Taylor
Headteacher