Outstanding features praised in Wichambrook Ofsted report
Wickhambrook Primary Academy is celebrating after earning three ‘Outstanding’ grades following an Ofsted inspection.
Personal Development, Leadership and Management and Early Years provision at Wickhambrook all received the highest grade while Education and Behaviour and Attitudes were rated as ‘Good’.
Inspectors said community played a key part in the success of the school while “children get off to a flying start in Early Years”.
Headteacher Rosie Kerr said she was delighted with the report, which was testimony to the hard work of everyone involved.
Rosie said: “We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of the school – and this report.
“It really is a reflection of everyone pulling in the same direction, from pupils to staff, leaders, governors, families and our entire school community.
“We were delighted that inspectors paid a strong reference to our community feel and our Early Years provision, as we are very proud of those features within Wickhambrook.”
In the Ofsted report, inspectors noted how the size of the school meant pupils of all ages mixed happily, made friends and benefitted from a buddy system that created “lasting bonds between the oldest and youngest pupils”.
The report said: “Children get off to a flying start in the Early Years. They settle quickly, thanks to strong routines and attentive adults.
“Throughout the school, there are warm relationships between pupils and adults. Attendance is high because pupils are happy to come to school.
“Classrooms are calm and provide an environment conducive to learning. In the core areas of reading, writing and mathematics, many pupils achieve highly.”
An extensive range of “high quality” extra-curricular activities, an ambitious curriculum that places a high priority on vocabulary and literacy and effective training for staff also came in for high praise along with strong pastoral support and effective safeguarding.
An enrichment day that saw primary school pupils enjoy everything from fire lighting to axe throwing has been declared a success.
Pupils from Wickhambrook Primary Academy moved out of the classroom to take part in a range of sessions during the school’s annual activity day.
A climbing wall was positioned in the school playground alongside archery, shelter building and a chance to get up close and learn about birds of prey.
The Headteacher said: “The school’s enrichment day is always a popular event in the calendar and this year didn’t disappoint at all.
“The pupils were fantastic in trying new things and taking themselves out of any comfort zone.
“We would like to thank all the organisations who contributed to making the event such a success.”
