A primary school continues to be outstanding, Ofsted inspectors found, but warned that had a 'graded' inspection been carried its mark may not have been as high.

Johnson Fold Community Primary School was visited by Ofsted on May 23 and 24 as part of an ungraded inspection.

"Good" and "outstanding" schools often receive ungraded inspections like the Worston Avenue school.

While inspectors stated it continues to be "outstanding", they said "the evidence gathered suggests that the inspection grade might not be as high if a graded (section 5) inspection were carried out now. Inspectors are recommending the next inspection to be a graded inspection”.

Pointing out the positives of the school, the report said, “pupils feel safe, happy and well cared for at this popular and friendly school” and “leaders have created a warm and vibrant environment where pupils feel at home and thrive in the care and guidance that staff provide”.

The report added: “Leaders quickly resolve any bullying concerns or worries effectively.

“Pupils spoken to were proud to belong to this school. They described their school as a happy family where everyone gets along.

“Leaders want the best for their pupils. They want them to achieve well and to shine both academically and socially.

“Pupils eagerly rise to leaders’ high expectations. They work hard and behave well following the ‘Johnson Fold Way’ in all aspects of school life.

“Parents and carers who shared their views with the inspector were overwhelmingly positive about leaders and staff in school.

“They feel listened to and a valued part of their children’s education.”

The school was also praised for supporting youngsters with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

The report states: “Pupils with SEND happily learn alongside their peers.

“Their needs are quickly and accurately identified.

“Staff use their considerable in-house expertise as well as securing support from outside agencies to provide pupils with the support that they need to access the same content as their peers.

“In some subjects, they achieve well but they sometimes struggle to make deeper connections with their learning in some curriculums.”

However, the report also states ways in which the school needs to improve.

The report states: “In some subjects, leaders have not identified all the key concepts that they want pupils to remember or made sure that pupils revisit concepts often enough to deepen their learning over time.

“This means that some pupils develop misconceptions or do not show secure learning in the longer term.

“Leaders should ensure that subject leaders are supported to refine their curriculums further so that key content is emphasised, and pupils develop secure understanding and deepen their knowledge in the longer term.

“Some pupils do not attend school often enough. This has a negative impact on their progress through the curriculum.

“Leaders should build on the recent gains that they have made in this area and make sure that these pupils attend school every day.”

Ungraded inspections do not result in individual graded judgements but focus on determining whether the school remains the same grade as at the school’s previous graded inspection.

It cannot change the overall effectiveness grade of the school.

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