A primary school has been praised for its strong standards of education, exemplary behaviour and highly effective safeguarding following a full Ofsted inspection on 9th September.
Inspectors found that pupils at Pikemere School “flourish in the warm and supportive environment that staff create” and that the school’s culture ensured no child was left behind.
The Alsager primary school, part of the Chancery Multi-Academy Trust, met a strong standard in two areas and was at the expected standard for four. Ofsted no longer gives an overall rating.
Attendance and behaviour were judged to be of a strong standard. The Ofsted report said that pupils attended regularly because they valued the “high-quality education” they received and did not want to miss important learning.
The school’s “detailed knowledge” of individual pupils and families allowed it quickly to remove barriers to attendance, resulting in a very low number of persistently absent pupils.
Behaviour was described as impressive, with pupils rarely needing reminders about expectations and showing kindness, politeness and respect throughout the school day.
Inspectors reported that pupils behave well “when no one is watching, because they know it is the right thing to do”.
Inclusion was also rated as meeting a strong standard.
The school ensured that every pupil was known as an individual, with “expert” staff identifying emerging needs at the earliest opportunity.
Additional support was secured swiftly where needed, and the school made regular checks on the effectiveness of interventions.
Inspectors highlighted how staff “skilfully recognise even the smallest steps forward” and helped pupils experience success.
“Leaders go above and beyond in their mission to uncover even the smallest barriers, or potential barriers to learning or engagement,” said the report.
Achievement, curriculum, teaching, early years provision, leadership and personal development were all judged to meet the expected standard.
Published outcomes at the school are largely above the national average, with pupils achieving well academically and in their wider development.
Children in Early Years quickly secured the knowledge and skills needed for year one, supported by a well-considered curriculum and staff who understand how young children learn.
“Pupils progress well from their starting points in the broad range of subjects they learn. Where staff have any concerns about the progress pupils make, swift actions are taken with highly positive impact on pupils’ learning and development,” the report said.
Teachers were praised for their subject knowledge and their ability to adapt teaching to meet individual needs.
Pupils who needed additional support receive it promptly, and opportunities to revisit previous learning help them build on what they already know.
Inspectors noted that feedback was not always as clear as it could be for some pupils, and the school was advised to ensure more pupils receive precise guidance on how to improve.
“Teachers have an impressive knowledge of how to adapt teaching to meet pupils’ individual needs. This helps pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities to learn well alongside their peers,” the report said.
In the Early Years classes, the school leaders were knowledgeable about the quality of education the school provided, and children benefitted from a well-considered curriculum that supported them to build on what they already knew.
Leadership and governance, while rated as being at the expected standard, were described as “highly effective”.
The school leaders had “a detailed and accurate” understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for development, showing “relentless determination to get it right for pupils, especially those who are most vulnerable”.
The report said: “Even though the school is highly successful, leaders show a relentless determination to get it right for pupils, especially those who are most vulnerable.”
Staff feel well supported and value the training they receive, while parents are extremely positive about the school’s impact.
One parent told inspectors: “It is a privilege to be part of this school community.”
Concluded the report: “Pikemere School is a warm, caring and inclusive school where pupils are genuinely known, valued and supported as individuals. Pupils flourish in the warm and supportive environment that staff create.
“Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary. They know what appropriate behaviour is for different parts of the school day. Older children act as role models without being asked.
“Pupils do not worry about bullying. They struggle to remember a time when it happened and know that staff would deal with it quickly if it were to happen. Pupils look out for others and take genuine care if someone is upset.”
The only areas for improvement were to make sure that more pupils received clear feedback about their learning so that they knew how to improve, and continuing to allow more pupils to develop a detailed knowledge of the full range of ways that people live differently in modern Britain.
The school is part of Chancery Multi-Academy Trust. The head teacher is Anthony Hughes.
At the time of the inspection, the school had 254 pupils against a capacity of 210.
Some 7.91% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the national average of 26.5%.
Pupils with an education, health and care plan comprised 6.69% of all pupils, above national average, and 13.39% of pupils received special educational needs support, close to the national average.
