Wilton CE Primary School
‘A school transformed’ – that’s how Ofsted inspectors have described Wilton CE Primary School near Salisbury, after visiting the school in November.
The school, led by headteacher Richard Boase, has seen significant change since joining the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust in 2018 and the inspectors praised the high aspirations and expectations staff have for the children.
In delivering a verdict of ‘Good’, the inspection report said: “Leaders have transformed the school since joining the trust. Staff morale is high and they share the same ambitious vision. Leaders have high expectations of pupils and staff.
In recognising the values the school holds, the inspectors said: “Pupils, regardless of their background, flourish at Wilton. The Christian ethos of courage, kindness, love, perseverance and respect runs like a stick of rock through the school.
“Parents speak highly of Wilton and its staff. They appreciate the many changes that
leaders have made. One comment, typical of many, said ‘The school have been
incredibly supportive in building my child’s emotional well-being and helping with
their learning’.”
There was also praise for the way staff recognise strengths and and areas for development in pupils and ‘work quickly’ if the high standards expected are not met.
The inspectors noted that pupils are happy at Wilton CE Primary School, stressing that the behaviour policy works very effectively.
“Pupils feel safe and happy. Leaders have ensured the behaviour policy, ‘The Wilton
Way’, is clear and understood by staff and pupils. As a result, pupils behave well in
class and at social times,” the report said. “Pupils show kindness and tolerance towards each other.”
The academic side of school was also a strength, with effective teaching beginning with the youngest pupils.
The report said: “Children in the early years learn to read from the moment they start school. Staff establish clear rules and routines. This means children are engaged and ready to learn.”
It added:
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· Leaders have ensured that all staff are trained in the teaching of phonics. They have clear systems for identifying pupils who fall behind in reading.
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· Teachers read regularly to pupils from a carefully planned selection of books. This means that pupils are exposed to a wide variety of themes and genres over time.
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· Pupils say these sessions develop their own love of reading. Some say it has inspired them to read more of particular authors.
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· In mathematics, teachers ask pupils routinely what they have learned in the past. This ensures that they identify gaps in knowledge swiftly.
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· Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) experience the same broad and balanced curriculum as their peers. They enjoy opportunities beyond the classroom to develop their character, such as residentials and productions.
The inspectors added that there is a ‘strong culture’ of safeguarding at the school.
Headteacher Mr Boase said: “This fantastic report is the culmination of months and years of effort by the staff team here, working closely with families and the local community, and our school is one where everyone enjoys a collective sense of pride.
“We know our pupils both enjoy school life, thrive and are happy and this was clearly recognised by the inspectors. We try to give the very best for all pupils – those joining us in reception right up to those leaving us each summer for the next part of their education journey.”
“Of course, we will never stand still and see this as a stepping stone to even greater things in the years to come.”
Trust chief executive Mark Lacey said: “We are so proud of everyone at Wilton. Since becoming part of our Trust in 2018, the staff team led have worked tirelessly to make huge improvements which have been noted in this report. It is especially pleasing that the ethos of the school is so evident and this will serve them in good stead as they move forward.”
St Peter’s, Salisbury
Ofsted also praised St Peter’s: An ambitious new school ‘at the heart of the community’
A school in Salisbury that opened in 2018 with just 69 children and three teachers now has 268 pupils in eleven classes, a staff team of 29 – and a resounding vote of confidence from Ofsted.
St Peter’s Church of England Primary has emerged from its first inspection by the education watchdog with a judgement of Good in all areas.
Lead inspector Kathy Maddocks said in her report that St Peter’s was well respected in its neighbourhood and that Ollie Martindale, headteacher from the start, was a “lynchpin” in upholding the vision of a school at the heart of its community.
“The school has been on an extremely fast and purposeful journey. Leaders have dealt well with an ever-shifting landscape with both the Covid-19 pandemic and the changes to the locality,” Ofsted reported.
“Staff and pupils follow the school’s motto, ‘Strive Beyond: Defy Limits’, with determination.”
Ms Maddocks, who visited the school in Xanten Way with two other inspectors for two days in November, noted that the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust, which opened the school, had high expectations from the beginning.
Ofsted rated St Peter’s as Good for quality of education, leadership and management, pupil behaviour and attitudes, personal development and early years provision.
The report praised the school’s ambitious curriculum, which includes what is best for pupils and reflects what to teach and when, so that learning deepens over time. The priority for reading and staff’s expertise in teaching phonics were highlighted, as was the recognition given to the need for children to rebuild stamina and precision lost during the pandemic.
“Whether in Reception or in Year 6, teachers ask questions skilfully to engage pupils. With the high number of pupils who speak English as an additional language, this is vital work. Pupils’ vocabulary and pronunciation are improving as a result.”
Support for the individual needs of pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, was another strength acknowledged in the report.
“Leaders track these pupils’ progress through the curriculum. When difficulties arise, leaders resolve issues swiftly. Pupils flourish because of this support and make rapid improvements in their work.”
The report highlighted parents’ appreciation of the “rewarding ethos and atmosphere” and children’s pride in their environment.
“Respectful behaviour is always on show and low-level disruption is not accepted.”
Safeguarding was said to be strong and the report said that children were learning to be responsible citizens.
“Pupils know right from wrong. They understand how to stay safe when they are online and the importance of consent within relationships. Pupils show compassion and tolerance of differences in race and ethnicity.”
Inspectors challenged the school to support children further in implementing their strong writing skills consistently, in all subjects across the curriculum.
Headteacher Ollie Martindale said: “I am enormously proud that our brilliant children, fantastic staff and wonderful community have earned this recognition from Ofsted in our school’s first inspection. Our vision was to create a school for the community, where children love learning and thrive. This report is an important step on our continuing journey as we establish ourselves as a beacon of excellence in our community and within our Trust.”
Mark Lacey, Chief Executive of the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust, said: “What Mr Martindale and everyone at St Peter’s has achieved in the last four and half years has been nothing short of phenomenal. They have turned every challenge into an opportunity and have earned the trust of families and stakeholders as they have established a strong church school for their community, where children can flourish in every way.
“Our aim is for the children in our academies to become mature and confident learners within the context of our Christian ethos – St Peter’s is certainly delivering that and we are immensely proud of all they have achieved.”