Cheshire school's Ofsted joy as hard work pays off after years of 'turmoil'

A Northwich school that has faced "significant change and turmoil in recent years" is celebrating after Ofsted inspectors rated it as 'good'. Victoria Road Primary School, part of the Aspire Educational Trust, underwent a two-day inspection back in May.

It had previously been rated as 'requires improvement' after its last inspection in February 2020. The impact of Covid and weaknesses in the curriculum had resulted in pupils underachieving, even up to last year.

But thanks to the hard work of the Victoria Road school and the trust, its fortunes have been turned around with the recently-published Ofsted report confirming that all areas under scrutiny from inspectors were deemed to be 'good'. Sue Minor, head of school, said: "We are delighted that the inspectors acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the whole school community, especially our wonderful children. They shone!

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"We are excited to continue on this journey of improvement with our children's education and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do."

The Ofsted report states: "This school has faced significant change and turmoil in recent years. In 2023, the proportion of Year 6 pupils meeting the expected standards in reading and mathematics was significantly below the national average. The impact of the COVID 19 pandemic, and weaknesses in the previous curriculum, meant that pupils had too many gaps in their learning to achieve as well as they should.

"Working with the trust, the school has ensured that the curriculums have been strengthened. As a result, pupils currently at the school enjoy a good quality of education. They emerge as well-rounded young people who are ready for the next stage of their education.

"The school has carefully considered how it promotes pupils’ personal development. Pupils learn about healthy relationships and how to stay safe. Pupils develop their leadership skills through a range of roles. These include house captains, mental health ambassadors and pupil parliamentarians. This enables pupils to positively contribute to the smooth running of the school.

"Trustees and members of the local governing body know the school well. They provide appropriate support and challenge. They are especially mindful of the impact of the pace of change on staff’s well-being and workload. As a result, staff feel valued. They are proud to be part of the school community."

The report added: "Pupils happily come into school each morning. They are welcomed by caring staff on arrival. Relationships between staff and pupils are especially strong. This enables pupils to be ready to learn. Pupils are keen to come to school and said that everyone is welcome at their school.

"Once inside their classrooms, pupils settle swiftly. They try hard with their work. The school’s values of ‘inspire, nurture, accomplish’ are enacted in pupils’ behaviour. Pupils listen carefully to their teachers. They participate in their learning with great enthusiasm. Pupils take into account the views of one another and they are keen to share their new learning.

"The school has high aspirations for the academic success of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Overall, pupils in key stage 1 and 2 gain a secure body of knowledge across a range of subjects. However, in the early years, children do not build up their knowledge as well as they should. This means that some children are not well prepared for Year 1.

"Beyond their lessons, pupils benefit from a range of activities. For instance, they enjoy attending clubs such as gardening, cooking and sports. Pupils are helped to develop as active citizens, both locally and globally. For example, pupils take part in litter picks to keep their local area neat and tidy and raise money for a school in Kenya."

Sue Minor, head of school, said: "We are delighted that the inspectors acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the whole school community, especially our wonderful children. They shone! We are excited to continue on this journey of improvement with our children's education and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do."

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