AN ASHTON primary school has been praised for the way it works with and develops its pupils after maintained its ‘good’ rating.
Ofsted inspectors for Hurst Knoll St James, on Ladbrooke Grove, also enables students to experience outside the site to bring them on.
In its latest report, inspector Ian Shackleton saw for himself how that work takes effect.
He said: “Pupils enjoy school. Leaders have high aspirations for all pupils.
“Most pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve well across a range of subjects.
“As a result, the school is a calm place in which to learn.
“Older pupils are proud of their prefect and lead learner responsibilities. Through these roles, they set high standards for other pupils in school to follow.
“Leaders have mapped these in their ‘experience charter’, which is a list of events and activities that pupils will experience during their time in school. For example, pupils enjoy visits to the aquarium, the zoo and to the orchestra.
“Leaders also provide many opportunities for pupils to develop their interests and talents. For example, pupils receive swimming lessons, cycle training and enjoy attending a wide range of clubs.”
It is not just away from the classroom that Hurst Knoll’s good work was noticed. How staff help those struggling more than others – and those with special educational needs – was also highlighted.
The report adds: “Any pupils who are falling behind receive appropriate support to help them catch up.
“As a result, pupils’ understanding of the texts that they read, as well as their confidence and fluency, improve over time.
“Leaders identify the specific needs of pupils with SEND effectively. Staff are well trained to meet the needs of these pupils.
“Some pupils are further supported by specialists in the learning and pastoral teams and from outside agencies.
“Together, staff and professionals ensure that pupils with SEND access the same learning as their classmates.”