A LOCAL primary school has been praised following its latest Ofsted inspection report.
Wath Victoria Primary School was the subject of an inspection by the school watchdog back in May, with the report recently made public.
Of the seven categories Ofsted rate schools on, five met the expected standard while two needed attention.
A report states: “Leaders make pupils’ attendance and punctuality a clear priority.
“They track attendance daily and follow up concerns promptly.
“Attendance has improved each year since the disruption caused by the pandemic and now sits close to national figures for all pupils.
“Leaders identify pupils who miss school too often and work with families to remove barriers.
“Their work with external agencies helps pupils with more complex needs attend more regularly.
“Persistent absence remains higher than leaders expect, particularly for disadvantaged pupils, but the trend is improving.
“Attendance continues to be a whole‑school focus.”
Inspectors were impressed with the personal development of pupils.
The report added: “Leaders have established a well‑considered personal development programme.
“It helps pupils grow into confident, considerate and responsible young people.
“The curriculum is organised clearly and taught with consistency.
“Staff receive useful training, so they can deliver lessons with confidence.
“Leaders provide guidance and resources that support high‑quality teaching.”
However there are areas - particularly achievement - that the report says need addressing.
The report added: “Pupils’ achievement, over time, has not been as secure as it should be.
“Published outcomes at key stage two in reading, writing and mathematics sit below national averages, including for disadvantaged pupils.
“Too few pupils reach higher standards.
“Although there are early signs of improvement, these gains are not secure enough to show sustained improvement across published outcomes.
“Pupils typically have better knowledge across the wider curriculum.
“Leaders’ focus on strengthening basic knowledge is beginning to make a difference.
“Phonics outcomes and the multiplication tables check now sit close to national averages, and most younger pupils secure early reading and number fluency.
“Older pupils who need it also receive targeted support.
“However, pupils do not apply these foundations consistently across subjects.”
