Wood Fold Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. Achievement is outstanding. From the moment children enter the school, they are helped and encouraged to do their very best, whatever their starting points or individual needs and abilities.

Pupils therefore make rapid progress in all classes and reach standards at the end of both Key Stages 1 and 2 which are consistently well above average and are continuing to improve. Children get off to a flying start in the Reception class. Adults get to know the children quickly, are sensitive to their interests and needs, and plan exciting activities which children love exploring and learning from.

The overall quality of teaching is outsta...nding. Teachers always have high expectations of what pupils can achieve and pupils are keen to do well. Learning activities are challenging and well matched to pupils' different abilities.

Teaching assistants play a very valuable role in supporting pupils' learning in lessons and in small-group and individual sessions, so that all pupils make equally strong progress. Pupils are encouraged to reflect on what they learn and how well they are doing. On occasion, they could be encouraged to identify and correct errors in grammar and spelling more thoroughly before handing in their work to be marked.

Relationships between adults and pupils are very caring. Pupils feel safe, secure and well looked after. They know that they are all valued and respected and that their opinions and feelings matter.

Pupils behave very well at all times. They are unfailingly polite and considerate, respect the views of others and are very proud of their school. The curriculum is exceptionally well organised to develop a depth of understanding across different subject areas.

Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is therefore strong and they are extremely well prepared for the future. The headteacher is highly ambitious for the school and is extremely well supported by the deputy headteacher and other senior leaders, who work together to improve the school further. Leaders' enthusiasm and commitment are shared by middle leaders, teachers and support staff.

They are all equally determined that pupils will develop their individual skills and talents to the full. Governors know the school extremely well and are regularly involved in school life. They provide strong support for leaders within the school, but also ask very challenging questions that are highly effective in promoting high standards and driving further improvements in all aspects of the school's work.

Information about this school

Wood Fold is larger than the average-sized primary school. Almost all pupils are of White British heritage. The proportion of pupils supported through school action is below average.

The proportion of pupils supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is also below average. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils, who are those eligible for the pupil premium, is well below average. (The pupil premium is additional funding for pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and children who are looked after by the local authority.

) The school meets the government's current floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. A breakfast and after-school club (Early Birds and Night Owls) is provided by the school. Fledglings is a pre-school setting situated within the school building.

This is subject to a separate inspection and the report is available on the Ofsted website. The school is a member of the Wigan North Consortium and is currently leading on new assessment systems and joint practice development. Over the past five years, the headteacher has supported two other schools causing concern.