30 Sep The ‘happy and caring’ school where pupils ‘get off to a flying start’
Reginald Mitchell Primary School in Butt Lane has retained its ‘good’ rating after a visit from Ofsted.
Story written by Hannah Hiles from Stoke-on-Trent Live
Ofsted inspectors say pupils ‘get off to a flying start’ at a school named after the inventor of the Spitfire. Reginald Mitchell Primary School in Butt Lane has retained its ‘good’ rating after a visit from the education watchdog earlier this year.
Youngsters at the Congleton Road school can help each other by acting as ‘mini medics’ or ‘super Spitfires’, who keep an eye out for anyone who needs friendship or company. Inspectors found that pupils behave well in lessons and around school, and any incidents of unkind behaviour or bullying are dealt with quickly by staff.
Inspectors also noted that ‘nearly all parents would recommend the school to others’, and praised the ‘ambitious and well-organised’ curriculum. Staff are said to teach with ‘expertise, energy and enthusiasm’ and have ‘very positive views’ about leadership in the school.
To improve further, leaders have been asked to make sure there is greater clarity about the detailed knowledge and vocabulary that pupils are expected to learn and remember during units of work. But inspectors also commented that staff usually know when pupils need extra help or attention and have positive relationships with the children in their classes.
The report, which was published this month, described the 194-pupil school as ‘happy and caring’. It stated: “Pupils enjoy learning at this happy and caring school.
“Leaders expect all pupils to learn and develop well, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils live up to these high expectations with enthusiasm.
“They have positive attitudes and an optimistic outlook. They are friendly and polite. They grow markedly in confidence during their time at the school.”
It continued: “The youngest children get off to a flying start in the well-run and equipped nursery and reception classes. In the early years, staff work together to pay detailed attention to each child’s individual needs.
“They have positive attitudes and an optimistic outlook. They are friendly and polite. They grow markedly in confidence during their time at the school.”
It continued: “The youngest children get off to a flying start in the well-run and equipped nursery and reception classes. In the early years, staff work together to pay detailed attention to each child’s individual needs.
“They intervene quickly to help children with their learning when indoors or during outdoor play. Children are prepared well for a confident start when they join Year 1.”
The school is part of the Children First Learning Partnership multi-academy trust, which comprises five schools in Staffordshire.
Executive headteacher Abigail Rourke, CEO of the Children First Learning Partnership, said: “We are delighted with the outcome of our recent Ofsted Inspection at Reginald Mitchell Primary – in particular, the recognition of our pupils’ polite and friendly behaviour, alongside their optimism and enthusiasm to learn the ambitious curriculum on offer.
“We would like to thank the whole of our Reginald Mitchell Team, who make this school such an inspirational and exceptional place to learn every day, and also our close network of partner schools who form part of the Children First Learning Partnership.”