Swinford C of E Primary School celebrates 'Good' rating from Ofsted inspectors

Following a recent visit to the village primary school, inspectors noted that “Swinford C of E Primary School is a happy place to be.

"Pupils have excellent relationships with adults… Pupils help and support each other in class and around the school.”

As part of their evaluations, inspectors also remarked “one parent described the school as a ‘wonderful, secure, warm, family environment, where children are encouraged to respectfully have fun through learning.’”

The report added: “The school’s curriculum is ambitious in its aims to prepare pupils for the future. Leaders have put pupils’ personal development at the heart of the curriculum. All pupils including disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), get the same opportunities to experience and learn new things.”

Headteacher Mr Edy O’Connor said: “I am delighted that Ofsted have recognised the many strengths of our wonderful school community, and that we have maintained our ‘Good’ Ofsted rating.

“In particular, I was pleased to note that inspectors found that our teachers ‘expect pupils to achieve well, they know what each pupil is capable of and challenge them to achieve more.’

“This is at the very heart of our approach, working together as a community, we believe in seeing the potential in every child, inspiring them to be the best they can be and to fulfil their dreams and ambitions.”

Inspectors also wrote: “Pupils are resilient and determined when learning.

"One pupil said ‘We can only learn if we make mistakes and that’s the way we can get better’… In lessons pupils are attentive and want to achieve.

"Pupils respond to instructions quickly. They show collaboration and teamwork.”

The inspection team also praised the early years provision at Swinford C of E Primary School, stating: “In the early years children behave well, are happy and enjoy learning new things. Children are independent and confident learners.

"They take part in the different activities available to them. Adults support and develop their learning well. Relationships between adults and children are positive.”

They added: “The school’s house points system creates camaraderie and healthy competition. Staff reward pupils for their achievements, perseverance, determination and acts of kindness. Pupils throughout the school enjoy earning house points. They take a huge sense of pride in adding their reward counters to their house tally.”

Inspectors said the school could improve three things to improve at the school would be staff refresher training on phonics, ensuring that that the tasks teachers set match the intended learning and an occasional delay with leaders recording responses to safeguarding incidents.

Russell Andrews, CEO of the Diocese of Leicester Academies Trust (DLAT), said: “Many congratulations to everyone across the Swinford C of E Primary community who plays a part in supporting our wonderful children every day.

"My thanks must go to all of the staff, governors, pupils and members of the wider community for all that they do. There are so many fantastic comments within this report, that recognise what makes this school special.”

Visit files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50144520 to see the report in full.