Wolverhampton school praised for ‘small but mighty’ ethos after Ofsted inspection
Inspectors praised the school for being a place where pupils can “experience a culture where they feel valued, supported and encouraged to achieve their best”
A Wolverhampton primary school has received high praise after an Ofsted Inspection commended its “small but mighty” ethos.
St Alban's Church of England Primary Academy has had its Ofsted report published following a visit on September 29.
The school was found to meet a ‘strong standard’ in four categories: early years, inclusion, leadership and governance, as well as personal development and wellbeing.
Meanwhile the school received an ‘expected standard’ grade in the following three categories: achievement, attendance and behaviour, and curriculum and teaching.
Inspectors said: “Pupils thrive in this happy, ambitious and highly inclusive school. The phrase ‘small but mighty’ captures the school well. From the moment pupils arrive, they experience a culture where they feel valued, supported and encouraged to achieve their best.”
The primary school also met safeguarding standards.
Inspectors praised the school for being a place where pupils can “experience a culture where they feel valued, supported and encouraged to achieve their best” with staff knowing their pupils “extremely well” and building warm, respectful relationships that help every child “develop confidence, resilience and a clear sense of belonging”.
Students enjoy a “broad and ambitious curriculum” that develops secure knowledge, skills and understanding across subjects.
Ofsted said early years children experience “high-quality interactions, well-established routines and a sharp focus on communication and language” which supports them to develop their confidence and to achieve well.
The school’s inclusive environment has been praised with inspectors finding “inclusion sits at the heart of school life”.
Headteacher Leanne Wooldridge said: "I am so very proud of this achievement – to have received four strong areas is such a reward for us.
“Our staff deserve the recognition for what they do every day to support our children and the community. We will continue to work on the areas that we have to develop but, for now, we will be celebrating this fantastic outcome.
“Not many of our wider community know much about us or even know where we are but this outcome certainly helps us to shine!"
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Wolverhampton Council's cabinet member for children, young people and education, said: "St Alban's is a wonderful example of a school where every child is known, valued and supported to achieve their very best. This report paints a picture of a happy, inclusive and ambitious school community where pupils thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
"The inspectors' recognition of the school's strong culture of inclusion, high-quality teaching and unwavering commitment to every pupil's success is particularly pleasing. These outcomes are a testament to the dedication of the leadership team, staff, governors and families, who work together to create an environment in which children can flourish.
"Its 'small but mighty' ethos shines through every aspect of this report, and everyone connected with the school should feel enormously proud of this achievement."
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