Widcombe Infant School Celebrates Ofsted Report

Widcombe Infant School is delighted to share its recent inspection report, which highlights the highly inclusive environment, supportive community, the strong personal development and ambitious curriculum. The report, based on the inspection carried out on 6 & 7 January, commends the school's commitment to providing an inclusive and nurturing atmosphere for all pupils. 

Pupils enjoy attending this highly inclusive and friendly school. They benefit from the warm welcome they receive from staff and staff know pupils well. Staff forge positive relationships with pupils and their families. This ensures a positive start to the school day and that pupils are ready to learn. Pupils demonstrate the school’s values of friendship, kindness, honesty, respect and perseverance. Pupils of all ages play well together during social times. They are adamant that any form of bullying does not occur. Pupils know they can talk to adults about any worries or concerns they may have. This helps pupils to feel safe.  

Pupils have a thirst for learning. They are keen to share their ideas with their peers and make a positive contribution during class discussions. Staff routinely identify and remove any challenges that the most vulnerable pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, face. This helps pupils to succeed in their learning.  

Pupils participate enthusiastically in a wide range of enrichment opportunities, including football, dance and gymnastics. Their learning is enriched by varied educational visits. These experiences broaden pupils’ horizons and foster personal growth. Pupils take considerable pride in the leadership roles offered by the school, such as house captains, librarians and play leaders. Through these responsibilities, pupils develop confidence, teamwork and an understanding of how their contributions make a positive difference to the school community. 

Inclusion is central to everything that happens at this school. Leaders and staff have high expectations for what the most vulnerable pupils can achieve and ensure that they flourish both academically and personally. They know these pupils as the individuals they are. This helps to create a culture where every pupil develops a clear sense of belonging. Pastoral support is of a high quality. Leaders rigorously monitor the impact the provision is having on pupils.  

The school’s programme for pupils' personal development is an integral part of its work. It is underpinned by the school’s core values. There is a deliberate focus to provide all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, with artistic and creative opportunities to support them to become confident members of their school community. The personal, social and health education curriculum equips pupils with essential life skills. Pupils are polite and kind. They have positive attitudes to learning. They know that any form of discrimination is not tolerated. As a result, this creates a positive and purposeful learning environment. This shared approach ensures a calm, orderly environment where pupils feel safe and ready to learn. 

The school has an ambitious curriculum in place that is designed and sequenced well. It makes clear the important knowledge and skills that pupils need to learn and when. Pupils consistently achieve above the national average in the phonics screening check. This reflects the school’s determination to ensure that all pupils reach their full potential. As a result, pupils are well prepared for the next stage in their education. Pupils develop accurate and fluent reading, spelling, handwriting and number skills, which they need to succeed. The early years curriculum is well designed. It sets out the important knowledge and skills children need to learn. Reading is a priority in Reception. Children learn to read from the outset. If they struggle with their letters and sounds, they receive the support they need to catch up. As a result, children develop confidence and a love of reading.  

Leaders are aspirational for the school and community they serve. They make decisions that are in the very best interests of the pupils, including those who are disadvantaged and face barriers. This supports pupils to develop resilience, confidence and to take on new challenges. 

The compelling sense of belonging is a golden thread that runs throughout the school. Parents and carers express unanimous support and trust for the school. One parent, summing up the typical views of families, commented, ‘The school is incredibly nurturing and puts children’s development and learning at the heart of the school.’ 

Finally, the school’s safeguarding arrangements are robust and effective, ensuring that all pupils are safe and well cared for throughout their time at Widcombe Infant School. 

In conclusion, the inspection report reinforces that Widcombe Infant School is making a lasting and positive impact on its pupils. The school’s emphasis on academic excellence, personal development, inclusivity and community makes it a truly special place for children to develop a lifelong love of learning. 

Headteacher, Alison Watts, shared her pride in the school community, commenting,  

“This report reflects our deep commitment to providing the very best we can for all our pupils, both academically and for their personal development. I am delighted that the new Ofsted framework recognised our strong commitment to an inclusive environment where personal development and well-being is greatly valued. It highlights the dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our pupils, and the support of our families.” 

Nathan Jenkins, Interim CEO, added,  

“We are absolutely delighted with this inspection outcome for Widcombe Infant School. At Palladian Academy Trust we know just how amazing the school is and the fantastic education it provides for all the children in the community, we are therefore delighted that Ofsted were able to recognise and verify this during their visit. This report highlights how effective schools can be when the whole community works tother for the benefit of all the young people in its care. We congratulate Mrs Watts, her team, the students and the whole Widcombe community for this wonderful endorsement of the work they do.” 

Click here to read the full report on the Ofsted website.