‘Ofsted commends strong standards and ‘nurturing ethos’ at Silverstone CE Primary School
Staff and pupils at Silverstone CE Primary School, part of Peterborough Diocese Education Trust, are celebrating a glowing Ofsted report that praised the school across all judgement categories.
Ofsted inspectors commended the school's “nurturing ethos that helps pupils feel confident, supported and ready to learn”, concluding that “pupils thrive at Silverstone Primary.” One parent was quoted as saying: 'My child has flourished at this school and the teachers go above and beyond to make each and every child feel important.'
James Bloomfield, Silverstone Executive Principal, said: “This fantastic report reflects the hard work and commitment shown by our staff and wider community to making our school a place where every child can flourish. More importantly, we are proud of our children and it was wonderful to see inspectors’ comments on their brilliant behaviour, curious minds and enthusiasm for learning in and out of the classroom.”
Inspectors praised the work on personal development and wellbeing of pupils at Silverstone, highlighting how “a wide range of enrichment opportunities allow pupils to develop their interests, talents and sense of belonging” and that “pupils value these experiences and how these opportunities contribute positively to their wellbeing and wider personal development.”
The strength of the school’s curriculum and teaching was also noted, with the report praising Silverstone’s “ambitious, carefully sequenced curriculum”, and how “pupils are very well prepared for the next stage of their education.” Inspectors recognised how pupils become “increasingly articulate, independent and reflective” as they move through the school, supported by “an inclusive culture, where all pupils are expected and supported to achieve well.”
The school was judged to be working at ‘Strong Standard’, across four of the five categories, and ‘Expected standard’ across the other. The ‘Strong Standard’ describes a school with consistently excellent provision. All safeguarding requirements were met.
Other strengths highlighted in the report include:
- “Leaders’ clear expectations for behaviour, and staff's consistent modelling of these expectations, have created a calm and purposeful learning environment.”
- “Leaders understand pupils’ individual behaviour needs and ensure that adjustments are made for pupils, who require extra help. This allows pupils to manage their behaviour successfully and take part in school life.”
- “The curriculum gives priority to the essential knowledge that pupils need in English and mathematics. Teachers deliver phonics effectively through a well-structured programme.”
- “Children [in Early Years] benefit from a nurturing environment, where all are included. Thoughtful adaptations and reasonable adjustments ensure that every child can access the full curriculum and is well prepared when they move to key stage 1.”
- “[...] pupils who need additional support make positive progress through the curriculum and participate fully in school life.”
- “Leaders recognise the importance of pupils gaining a broad understanding of society that extends beyond their own experience. They are actively seeking further opportunities for pupils to encounter diversity first hand to enrich the already broad offer.”
Inspectors found that “pupils understand and demonstrate the school’s values of self-confidence, self-discipline, perseverance and respect”, and described pupils as becoming “independent and responsible citizens”.
Leadership and governance were also highlighted by inspectors as a particular strength, with the report noting that “leaders demonstrate consistently high standards of professional conduct and act unwaveringly in the best interests of pupils” and that those responsible for governance have a strong understanding of school needs and work to “ensure that leaders prioritise the actions most likely to improve pupils’ outcomes and experiences.”
Ruth Walker-Green, CEO of the Peterborough Diocese Education Trust said: “This report shows that education at Silverstone is about so much more than what pupils achieve in the classroom. It is about helping them grow in confidence, character and independence. We are incredibly proud of the whole Silverstone community and everything they continue to achieve.”