Goddard Park Community Primary School rated 'Good' by Ofsted

Goddard Park Community Primary School has been rated 'Good' in the latest Ofsted inspection.

According to the report staff provide a warm and welcoming environment for all at Goddard Park.

The report said: "Members of the school community demonstrate a strong understanding of the school’s motto, ‘everybody learns, everybody cares’.

"Staff make it a priority to get to know pupils and to nurture them. Parents say staff are dedicated and supportive and pupils report they feel safe here and that there are lots of people they can talk to about their feelings.

"Leaders have high expectations that all pupils will access the school’s broad and ambitious curriculum. Everyone is clear about behaviour expectations. These are consistently applied by staff. Pupils cooperate well and display positive attitudes towards their learning. They enjoy orienteering, dodgeball and singing club.

"Pupils value opportunities to demonstrate leadership at this school. For example, school council members run ‘fruity Friday’, whereby pupils are encouraged to try fruits they have not tried before. This also helps to promote healthy eating. Pupils talk fondly of a school they sponsor in Kenya. They take pride in their efforts to raise money, for example, through discos they have organised. Pupils learn to be philanthropic. They develop an awareness of life beyond Goddard Park."

One area highlighted by the Ofsted inspectors is reading is made a priority at this school with a phonics and reading programme that is adhered to by all staff. Teachers do all they can to provide swift support so that pupils catch up quickly if they are behind. There is also a well-planned reading comprehension curriculum and pupils are enthusiastic about reading and talk excitedly about new vocabulary they have learned.

The report said: "Leaders have thought carefully about what pupils should learn at each stage of their education. They have identified the most essential concepts pupils need to know.

"Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), learn well from the curriculum. Staff identify pupils’ needs early.

"Leaders provide staff with high-quality training to give pupils with SEND the support they need. The curriculum across the school is well planned overall. However, in a few subjects, there is a lack of clarity in how the curriculum builds from the early years. Some leaders are less clear on how learning in the early years provides readiness for future learning in key stage 1 and beyond."

This is the second ungraded inspection since Ofsted judged the school to be good in November 2013.