Staff 'work tirelessly' at this 'highly inclusive' primary school in Leeds - Ofsted report
They were graded as a ‘Strong standard’ in five categories
Staff at a “highly inclusive” primary school in Leeds have been praised for their tireless work by Ofsted inspectors.
White Laith Primary School, located on Naburn Drive, Whinmoor, received a ‘Strong standard’ rating in five of the seven inspected categories - during an Ofsted visit on September 15.
They were graded as a ‘Strong standard’ in the categories of achievement, curriculum and teaching, early years, inclusion, and personal development and wellbeing.
The school received an ‘Expected standard’ rating for attendance and behaviour, and leadership and governance.
The education watchdog said: “Pupils thrive at this nurturing and happy school. They feel safe and valued as individuals and are very proud of their school. Staff at all levels work tirelessly to get to know each pupil and their families.
“White Laith is a highly inclusive school. This approach, combined with effective pastoral support, threads through everything at school. All pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who are disadvantaged, participate fully in school life.”
Children at the school make “significant progress” through the early years from their starting points. According to the report, this is because leaders establish effective routines and high expectations quickly.
The “well-sequenced” curriculum places a high priority on securing the basic skills that pupils need in reading, writing and mathematics from the earliest stages.
Reception children make a confident start to school in the “nurturing, welcoming and well-organised environment.” They engage positively in learning and feel safe, secure and valued because of this.
Pupils have an understanding of the fundamental British values and the reasons why some groups are protected by law. They are knowledgeable and respectful of differences, diversity, different faiths, cultures and lifestyles.
Focusing on next steps, inspectors added: “Leaders should further strengthen the school's approaches to encouraging regular attendance, so that attendance continues to improve and persistent absence reduces.
“They should continue to check and act on priorities for improvement, leading to consistently strong standards across all aspects of the school’s work.”
Pupils at White Laith “behave impeccably,” according to the report. They demonstrate highly positive attitudes and are genuinely curious about their learning.
Leaders have developed a “supportive culture” where pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those who are disadvantaged can flourish. They seek to identify pupils’ additional needs or barriers to learning quickly.
They have a “clear vision for the school.” They know the school’s strengths and are rightly proud of the vibrant learning community they have established.