Skyswood Primary & Nursery School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

This is a school where pupils get a truly special and wonderful experience.

Pupils are happy and are kept safe. They all have a trusted adult who listens to them. Pupils actively help one another.

For example, older pupils caringly support younger pupils at lunchtime through their play leader roles. It is a natural part of the school culture for everyone to treat each other with kindness and respect.

There are the highest expectations for all pupils.

Pupils realise these expectations as they achieve exceptionally well. From early years, children develop passion and enthusiasm for learning. Pupils benefit from a vast wealth of enrichment opportunities....

For example, in the pottery club, they extend and deepen their understanding of sculpture from what they learn in art lessons. They use a kiln to produce the highest standard of pottery, which they have exhibited alongside professional artists.

Children in early years learn to listen to each other, take turns and enthusiastically share their ideas.

They quickly learn important routines, such as listening when on the carpet and tidying up. This provides the foundation for the attentive and highly engaged behaviour that is commonplace across the rest of the school.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school has constructed a rich, creative and inclusive curriculum.

Across subjects, knowledge is taught in considerable depth. This learning extends beyond the classroom. For example, in history, pupils visit a museum to learn from experts about World War II.

This kind of enrichment is commonplace. It extends the knowledge pupils acquire across the entire curriculum exceptionally well.

Teachers skilfully check pupils' understanding.

They provide further explanation and guidance for pupils where needed. Pupils with special education needs and or/disabilities (SEND) get support that is matched precisely to their needs. This includes the use of additional resources and scaffolding to support learning where necessary.

This means that everyone secures deep understanding across the curriculum. This is reflected in many pupils achieving highly in national tests and assessments.

A love of reading is evident across the school.

From early years, expert staff ensure that pupils learn to read new words confidently. Pupils get the precise support they need with specific elements of reading, whether it be phonics, fluency or comprehension. Pupils have access to a wealth of books through reading lessons, class books, library books and book shops.

Pupils are passionate about what they read and develop deep understanding. Literature is at the heart of the entire curriculum. The school closely integrates reading with writing development, enabling pupils to apply their reading skills to enhance their writing.

As a result, pupils produce writing of the highest quality across year groups. This is exemplified by the fact that every pupil contributed a piece of writing to a book that was published in the local bookshop.

In early years, teachers provide a wealth of interesting activities.

These capture children's interest. For example, as part of a China theme, children develop their understanding of the world by running a restaurant. Teachers ensure that all areas of early learning are developed strongly.

Teachers use their checks on learning to target precisely where a child might need additional support. This is especially the case for children with SEND. Visitors, such as members of the police and fire service, help to inspire children and learn about important roles.

Pupils' highly positive behaviour and attitudes are evident in how they consistently display the values of kindness, curiosity, resilience and respect. For example, Year 6 pupils have run extra-curricular activities for younger pupils because they want to help and support others. Pupils enjoy coming to school.

Attendance rates are high.

Personal development is promoted extensively. Hearing and acting on pupils' views are integral to the school's work.

There is an extensive range of pupil leadership opportunities. Pupils can participate in residential visits that allow them to have new experiences. There are clubs and activities to suit a wide range of interests.

Participation rates in these are high, including for disadvantaged pupils, because the school ensures these are open to all.

The school is exceptionally well led and managed. Highly experienced school leaders appreciate the further capacity that the trust adds.

This has led to many high-quality training opportunities for staff. This ensures there is consistency in the excellent quality of education that pupils receive. Governors and trustees know the school well and diligently challenge and support.

Staff feel happy and well supported in their roles. This leads to a highly motivated staff who are passionate about doing the best for the pupils.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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