METICULOUS care, planning and strong relationships are reaping rich rewards at a Teesside primary school which has just been hailed ‘strong’ by inspectors.
Whinstone Primary School, part of the Spark Education Trust, in Ingleby Barwick, is celebrating a year of significant achievement after securing three top awards and being recognised as strong in four of the seven standards inspected by Ofsted.
The 468-pupil school achieved OPAL Platinum status, the NCCE Computing Quality Mark and the Heritage Schools Award in the past year.
Inspectors highlighted the school’s early years provision, which was judged to be strong, praising the way staff began building relationships with children and their families even before they started school, thereby helping them understand their needs from the outset.
The report said: “Nothing is left to chance in the early years.” Inspectors highlighted the meticulous planning of indoor and outdoor provision, the development of children’s vocabulary and the strong focus on phonics, early writing and other foundational skills.
They also found that children developed warm relationships with staff and were ‘very well prepared for Year 1’.
The school was also judged strong for attendance and behaviour, inclusion, and personal development and wellbeing.
Inspectors praised the highly inclusive culture at Whinstone, noting that every child was known, understood and supported, while pupils received support that was precisely matched to their needs.
They also highlighted the school’s rich programme of experiences and opportunities, including pupil leadership roles, community involvement and a strong focus on wellbeing.
Pastoral support was described as a ‘significant strength’, with pupils saying they felt safe, valued and listened to.
Headteacher Lorraine Batty said: “We are incredibly proud of what the school has achieved over the past year and this Ofsted report is a real testament to the dedication, commitment and hard work of our staff, alongside the superb attitude, kindness and compassion demonstrated by our children every day.
“We are particularly delighted to be recognised as strong in our Early Years provision. Giving children the very best start is at the heart of what we do and creating those firm foundations for learning, confidence and wellbeing, from the very beginning, is so important.
“To have Ofsted recognise the strength of this provision is a fantastic achievement for our Early Years team and the whole school community. The report reflects the progress we have made together, while also giving us clear areas to continue developing. We are excited to build on these strengths and ensure that every child continues to thrive and achieve their very best.”