Pupils thriving at school praised by inspectors
Pupils are thriving at a 'happy and caring' school which has been given top marks by Ofsted.
Inspectors visited Goldthorn Park Primary School in Blakenhall just before the summer break and, in their report published recently, found it to be at Strong Standard in no less than six of the seven inspection areas, and at the Expected Standard in the other.
They report that leaders and staff share a ‘relentless drive’ to ensure that pupils achieve well, with any barriers to learning swiftly overcome, ensuring that 'all pupils progress well' and meet leaders' high expectations.
Leaders have designed a curriculum that is clear, progressive and well sequenced from the early years onwards, which enables pupils to learn well and build their knowledge and skills securely over time.
The youngest children get off to a 'flying start' in the early years, where 'warm relationships and a rich curriculum build firm foundations'.
The school's 'golden' values of ‘growth, optimism, leadership, determination, excellence and nurture’ underpin all aspects of school life. Pupils are dedicated to their education and, as a result, their behaviour is 'consistently positive', and parents are 'overwhelmingly positive' about the school.
Pupils benefit from a wide and diverse personal development offer, including 'highly effective work on careers', with visits from the police, engineering companies, authors, the fire service, Olympic athletes and dance teachers, culminating in an annual careers fair for Years 5 and 6. Inspectors heard 'pupils talk positively about this and how this raises their aspirations for their future'. Pupils also told inspectors of their pride in having opportunities to serve as school councillors, subject ambassadors, sports leaders and playleaders.
Inclusion is at the heart of the school, with a pupil-led 'welcome committee' ensuring new children settle into school life and make friends quickly. Pupils' 'backgrounds, languages, and differences are embraced and celebrated', and disadvantaged pupils are 'particularly well supported'. Leaders describe describing pupils' additional needs as being their 'superpowers' and support pupils with special educational needs or disabilities to flourish.
Under its new inspection regime, Ofsted concluded that Goldthorn Primary School is at Strong Standard for Achievement, Curriculum and teaching, Early years, Inclusion, Leadership and governance, and Personal development and well-being, and at Expected Standard for Attendance and behaviour. The school also meets safeguarding standards.
Headteacher Rachel Purshouse said: "To be recognised as Strong in six of the seven inspection areas is a tremendous achievement and one that everyone connected with Goldthorn should feel proud of. “The report captures what we strive for every day: high expectations, exceptional care, meaningful opportunities and a belief that every child can succeed. We will use this recognition as motivation to continue building on our successes and ensuring that every pupil thrives both academically and personally."
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: "This is a fantastic achievement for everyone at Goldthorn Park Primary School and I would like to congratulate the pupils, staff, leaders, governors and families on this excellent report.
"The inspectors found a school where high expectations, strong leadership and a commitment to inclusion help every child to succeed. It is particularly pleasing that inspectors recognised how well the school supports pupils to achieve, including those who join with lower starting points than are typical for their age.
"The report paints a picture of a happy, caring and ambitious school where children are supported to flourish, and everyone involved should be immensely proud of this recognition."
