Education reports: Glowing Ofsted for Calderdale primary school where children love to go and 'feel they belong'
Ofsted inspectors have applauded a Calderdale village primary school for being a place where children love to attend.
Inspectors who visited West Vale Academy, on Stainland Road in West Vale, praised staff’s determination for ensuring every child is known, supported and included.
Using the education watchdog’s new ‘report card’ system, the school has been been graded ‘Expected Standard’ across all areas, with commendation for its nurturing environment.
"Leaders and staff are united in wanting the best for pupils,” says the report.
"They talk with pride about the school and the community that it serves.
"Leaders have identified the right priorities, including support for pupils with specific barriers to learning.
"School leaders have also successfully strengthened teaching in English and Mathematics across mixed-age classes. The impact of this work is evidenced in how well pupils achieve by the end of Key Stage 2.”
The school has successfully narrowed the gap between how well disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged pupils achieve, the inspectors noted, behaviour in and around school is calm and careful consideration is given to the emotional support some pupils need.
"Pupils love coming to school and they attend well,” said their report.
"They feel they belong at West Vale and describe it as 'a small school, but the best school'.
"Relationships between adults and pupils are caring and highly supportive, right from the start of their school journey."
To boost the school’s rating, Ofsted has advised leaders they should continue to improve the quality of adult-child interactions in the early years and ensure activities support pupils to remember their learning over the long term.
Head of school Claire Akroyd said: “We are immensely proud of this report; it reflects the hard work and passion that everyone brings to West Vale every day.
"Our pupils work incredibly hard, and it is wonderful to see their positive attitudes, behaviour and achievements recognised.
"Seeing them thrive, enjoy their learning and support each other makes the effort worthwhile, and it is a privilege to lead such a committed and caring team.
"West Vale Academy is a very special place, and we are excited to continue building on these successes.”