School’s 'work hard, be kind' ethos earns inspection praise
An inclusive school where pupils 'live and breathe' its ethos to work hard and be kind has been praised by Ofsted.
Inspectors visited Villiers Primary School in Bilston on 10 September and, in their report published recently, highlighted a nurturing environment and excellent relationships with staff and other pupils which mean children feel 'safe to learn, play and be themselves'.
Leaders have established a broad and balanced curriculum. Pupils achieve well, especially in national assessments, and progress rapidly in mathematics, writing and early reading. Disadvantaged pupils' outcomes are significantly above those of their peers nationally.
Throughout the school, children enjoy their lessons, show determination and resilience, and gain the knowledge they need to be ready for the next stage of their education.
Pupils with special educational needs or disabilities progress well. Staff know individuals well, understand the barriers different pupils face and provide 'highly effective support from the earliest possibility' so that they can thrive.
Everyone feels included at Villiers Primary. Leaders and staff 'create an environment that pupils want to be part of' and, from the start of early years through to the end of Year 6, pupils 'feel valued and a part of the school community'.
Behaviour is described as 'excellent', with older pupils serving as 'exemplary role models' for younger children.
Leaders are 'passionate' about ensuring pupils can access a range of opportunities to support their wider development. Pupils benefit from experiences that enrich their time at school, while pastoral support is described as 'highly effective'.
Leaders understand the importance of a positive start to school life. As a result, children begin their early years education happily in a nurturing environment that supports their development. The school has implemented an effective curriculum in early years that prepares children well for the next stage of their learning.
Under its new inspection regime, Ofsted concluded that Villiers Primary School is at Strong Standard for Attendance and behaviour, Inclusion, and Leadership and governance, and at Expected Standard for Achievement, Curriculum and teaching, Early years, and Personal development and well-being. The school also meets safeguarding standards.
Headteacher Lisa-Anne Rogers said: "I am incredibly proud of our amazing pupils and hugely grateful to our wonderful families and dedicated staff. “The care, commitment and belief our staff show every day make such a difference to our children and it is a privilege to see them grow in confidence, flourish and be themselves. Our whole school community plays a part in making Villiers such a special place to learn and belong."
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: "This report is an excellent endorsement of the hard work and dedication being shown by everyone at Villiers Primary School on a daily basis.
“Pupils are rightly proud of their school, and really live and breathe its ethos by working hard and being kind in everything they do. The report highlights the school's strong commitment to inclusion, the high quality of support provided to pupils and the nurturing environment which has been created for children to thrive, and everyone at Villiers should be very proud of this outcome."
