Exeter primary 'delighted' with Ofsted report
Pupils at an Exeter primary enjoy coming to school and say they learn well because their teachers make lessons fun.
Nearly every parent who responded to a survey by education inspectors said they would recommend Newtown Primary School to other families.
One said: “Our child is achieving a great deal more and progressing further than we dared to think possible as a direct result of the first class teaching he receives.”
Three inspectors from the school standards agency, Ofsted, spent two days at Newtown, and their report has just been published.
Lead inspector, Jeanne Simpson, says every aspect of school life at Newtown is good.
The overall effectiveness of the school is good and so are the achievement of pupils, the quality of teaching, the behaviour of the children and the leadership and management.
Children start at Newtown with skills which are typically below those expected by their age.
But, by the time the leave in Year 6, they are reaching above average standards.
“Pupils of all abilities make good progress,” says Ms Simpson.
“The experiences children have in Reception give them a very good start to their education.
“They make good and sometimes outstanding progress because the teacher has very high expectations.
“Pupils of all abilities make good progress during Key Stage 2, especially in reading and writing.
“Their attainment has improved steadily over the last three years and standards in reading are much higher than seen nationally.
“Disabled pupils and those with special needs do well because of the very good support they receive.
“Teaching assistants are very skilled at helping pupils of all abilities to achieve well and they complement the work of the teachers very effectively.”
Ms Simpson says pupils enjoy coming to school and are ready and eager to learn.
Their behaviour is good and they are polite and considerate. They take pride in their work and say learning is fun.
Many pupils learn musical instruments and there is a wide range of clubs.
Ms Simpson says headteacher Ruth Jones, who was appointed in April 2013, has contributed significantly to recent improvements at the school.
“The changes that the head has made have built on the good practice already in place,” she says.
“Improvements to the quality of teaching, rising standards at the end of Key Stage 2 and higher attendance all demonstrate the school has the capacity to continue to improve,” she says.
“Leaders, including governors, have high aspirations for the school and are working together well to make the school even better. As a result, the school is improving.”
The school now needs to ensure that more teaching is outstanding, pupils should have more opportunities to practise what they learn in English and maths in other subjects and teachers should always tell children how they can improve when they mark their work.
Today Mrs Jones said: “We are delighted with our recent Ofsted report.
“There have been no big surprises for us and we feel that it is a true reflection of where we are at this present moment in time.
“We have fantastic pupils, staff, governors and parents who all work incredibly well together and in doing so make a real difference to the education provided at Newtown Primary School.”
