Coventry school where pupils have 'respectful friendships' praised by Ofsted

Ernesford Grange Primary School
-Credit: (Image: Google Maps)


A primary school in Coventry where pupils are 'proud to be members of the school community' and adhere to values of 'responsibility, respect and resilience' has been praised by Ofsted. Pupils are 'kind and considerate' and have 'respectful friendships' at Ernesford Grange Primary School on Foxton Road in Binley.

Inspectors visited the school on Tuesday, July 2 and Wednesday, July 3. Ofsted said that Ernesford Grange Primary continues to be a 'good' school.

Pupils are said to enjoy their lessons, achieve well and appreciated how teachers make work interesting and connect their learning. Teachers focus on the most important knowledge and skills that pupils need, inspectors said.

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The school ensures that their high expectation about behaviour are consistently met, with pupils' behaviour said to be 'exemplary' as they have positive attitudes to their learning. There's also an 'impressive programme' to support pupils' individual needs and wider development, and there are many enrichment opportunities available from camping on the school field to the 'Ernesford 100'.

Inspectors noticed that Ernesford Primary has an 'ambitious and progressive' curriculum for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The curriculum is carefully sequenced from the early years to Year 6, with clear endpoints for pupils to work towards, with English, Maths, and Science curriculums a 'school priority'.

Pupils' needs are identified quickly. In all subject areas, the quick identification allows staff to ensure pupils with SEND are fully supported. In most subjects, the curriculum is designed in a way that enables the most able pupils to be successful.

Reading is at the heart of the curriculum, inspectors said. Staff regularly check the progress of all early readers, and if anyone is at risk of falling behind, high-quality support helps them catch up quickly. The youngest pupils read carefully chosen books that match the sounds that they have been taught while older pupils read widely and as often as they can.

On the other hand, children's development in early years is well supported by the curriculum. It provides them with the knowledge and confidence that they need to succeed. Staff and pupils in early years also share strong, positive relationships. These help children to feel safe, know right and wrong, and follow routines and expectations.

Many extra-curricular opportunities are a strength to the school, with a range of sporting and non-sporting activities and clubs available to pupils weekly. The Friday afternoon 'skills academy' enrichment programme is very popular, and pupils enjoy the trips and visits to places of educational interest. The richness of the wider curriculum means that pupils are well-prepared for their next stage of education.

In addition, governors know the school, its staff, pupils, and the community well. They have enhanced knowledge and expertise, hold the school to account, and regularly visit classrooms and meet with staff. Staff value being part of the school, and are very positive about the school's support of their workload and well-being.

To view the full Ofsted report and previous inspections at Ernesford Grange Primary School, visit the Ofsted website.

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