17 Dec Guinea pigs ‘creating a buzz’ at Biddulph school rated good by Ofsted
Pupils at Kingsfield First School are enjoying learning to care for pets Elvis and Ozzy.
Story written by Hannah Hiles from Stoke-on-Trent Live
Pupils at a Biddulph first school – which has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted – are enjoying learning to look after guinea pigs Elvis and Ozzy. Inspectors described Kingsfield First School as a ‘happy school with a family feel’ and said parents and pupils alike ‘talk very highly of the school’.
The Gunn Street school, which has 223 pupils, is said to be a ‘purposeful environment where pupils are keen to learn’. Inspectors said the school had put reading ‘at the front of the curriculum’, with children ‘immersed’ in stories and rhymes as soon as they start in nursery.
They also praised the range of trips and clubs available to pupils, and said there were many opportunities for children to contribute to the life of the school and the local community. Inspectors also noted that staff morale is ‘high’ and teachers are ‘proud’ to work at the school.
However, inspectors added that in a small number of subjects ‘too much’ information was taught to pupils, meaning that they may not remember what they have learned in the long term.
The report stated: “Staff get to know every pupil and take into account their individual needs. As a result of this, pupils enjoy school and achieve well.
“The school is a place where pupils cooperate with each other and value both their similarities and their differences. Pupils say that they are happy at school and that they feel safe. They know that there is a difference between bullying and ‘falling out’ and trust adults to quickly sort out any issues.
“This is an inclusive school where pupils’ well-being is a high priority. Staff take the time to find out pupils’ likes and dislikes and pupils appreciate this. The recent additions of Ozzy and Elvis, the school guinea pigs, are causing a real buzz around the school as eager pupils get the chance to help with their care.”
Headteacher Carolyn Hodson said: “We are delighted with the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection and that the report has recognised that we are a happy school with a family feel. We are very proud to work with such fabulous children and families. I would like to thank our wonderful staff, Local Advisory Board members and fellow Children First Learning Partnership schools within the Trust.”
Kingsfield First School converted to become an academy in April 2019 and is part of the Children First Learning Partnership, a multi-academy trust with six schools.
CEO of the Children First Learning Partnership, Abigail Rourke, a designated National Leader of Education, said: “We are thrilled with the outcome of Kingfield’s recent inspection. Kingsfield is truly a school at the heart of its community and we would like to thank the whole Kingsfield team for creating a safe and happy environment for pupils to learn in and to the school community for their continued support.”