Northgate Primary School has received glowing praise from inspectors in its latest Ofsted report.
Children love being at the school, staff feel lucky to work there, parents are grateful, and leaders are “passionate and proud”, the watchdog said.
“Respect is at the heart of this school,” the report noted.
“Pupils of all ages show a deep desire to learn. This means that across the school there is a calm and purposeful learning environment where pupils learn without disruption.
“Pupils act with integrity and kindness because they learn that it is the right thing to do. Behaviour across the school is remarkable.”
The two Ofsted inspectors who visited in June gave Northgate ratings of Strong for its early years provision and for pupils’ personal development and wellbeing. In the other five categories of achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, inclusion and leadership and governance the school was graded as Expected standard. Safeguarding standards were also met.
The inspectors said “positive and highly effective relationships” formed with parents helped give children in nursery and reception the strong foundations they needed to succeed in their education.
“Oracy, speech, language and communication are at the very front and centre of the rich and developmental curriculum,” the report said.
The personal development programme was highlighted for enriching pupils’ experiences significantly, forming the bedrock to the school’s vision to ‘open pupils’ minds and broaden their horizons’.
“Leaders are passionate and proud. They are determined to provide a high-quality education that inspires every pupil at Northgate Primary School,” the report noted.
Leaders were said to fully understand the families and community the 261-pupil school serves and to be committed to promoting an inclusive culture.
“Parents and carers are unwavering in their support for the school. Many are grateful for the fully inclusive ethos and availability of the kind and caring staff.
“Staff feel ‘lucky’ to work at the school and to be part of its community.
“Leaders actively encourage pupils from different cultures and faiths to share their experiences and traditions. Pupils learn to be tolerant and respectful of one another and to celebrate difference. They have a deep understanding of the characteristics that are protected by law and why this is important. Pupils are proud of their school. They feel strongly that everyone should be accepted and that they belong.”
Ofsted highlighted the academic successes of the school, which is part of Futura Learning Partnership, in particular the strong performance of disadvantaged pupils and those who attend the ‘adventurers’ base.
Headteacher Katie Penny said: “I am extremely proud of our pupils and staff, and I am so pleased that Ofsted were able to recognise the caring, inclusive and aspirational culture that exists at Northgate Primary School.
“The comments reflect our commitment to ensuring that every pupil feels safe, valued and supported to achieve their very best.
“This report celebrates what we have achieved together and reflects the shared commitment of pupils, staff, governors, parents and carers to providing the very best opportunities for every child.”
Gary Schlick, chief executive officer of Futura Learning Partnership, added: “The children of Northgate Primary, from the youngest to the oldest, have demonstrated to Ofsted that they live up to the high expectations set by their school and our trust. We are all determined to maintain these standards for the benefit of everyone in the community.”
