Children ‘flourish’ at ‘happy and caring’ Haywood Village Academy, according to Ofsted inspectors – who say the ‘exceptional education’ on offer continues to make the school ‘Outstanding’ in all areas.
Ofsted spent two days assessing the Weston-super-Mare school, during which time they met leaders from the school and its trust, spoke with parents and pupils, and carried out a ‘deep dive’ into a number of subject areas.
At the end of their analysis, the inspector concluded the school has ‘taken effective action to maintain the standards’ which previously earned it an ‘Outstanding’ rating for its leadership and management, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, quality of education and Early Years.
Lead inspector Caroline Musty heaped praise upon the school’s ‘highly-effective and ambitious’ curriculum, ‘extensive’ personal development offering, and the ‘impeccable’ attitudes of pupils who ‘work hard and achieve exceptionally well’.
In her report, she said: “Pupils flourish at this happy and caring school. The school places a great emphasis on knowing all pupils well. Relationships between staff and pupils are strong. Staff support pupils well in their learning.
“The school has very high expectations of what pupils can achieve. It has deliberately constructed a curriculum that makes sure all pupils, including disadvantaged pupils thrive. The ‘street’ corridor and classrooms buzz with learning.”
The report went on to highlight the school’s notable successes in a number of important areas.
On teaching and curriculum, Ofsted said: “The quality of education is exceptional. The school has high expectations for all pupils. From the start of the early years, the school delivers a highly effective and ambitious curriculum. Its design supports pupils to build their knowledge exceptionally well.
“Teachers have strong subject knowledge across the curriculum. They reinforce knowledge and support pupils well to secure their understanding.”
On pupil behaviour, the report said: “Pupils have impeccable attitudes to their work. They are highly motivated to build their knowledge.
“From pre-school, children engage well with their learning. They listen carefully and are keen to share their ideas. Pupils take great pride in how they present their work. Pupils work hard and achieve exceptionally well. They are very well prepared for their next stage of education.”
On SEND, the inspector said: “Pupils with special education needs and/or disabilities (SEND) flourish during their time at the school. There is a clear process in place to identify their needs and barriers. High quality support from staff and effective adaptions help pupils with SEND to access their learning and achieve well.”
And on personal development, the report said: “The personal development programme is extensive. It supports pupils to have enriching experiences that help them make sense of the world. By learning about and celebrating difference, pupils value themselves and each other.
“The school’s work on creating ‘lovely people’ is exceptional. This enables pupils to demonstrate what a good citizen is. The ‘citizenship certificates’ empower pupils to demonstrate the school values and the fundamental British values in their actions. Pupils have a positive impact in school and within the wider community.”
Additionally, inspectors heralded Haywood Village’s ‘ambitious’ leadership, ‘effective’ safeguarding and its ‘carefully designed professional development programme’ which enables staff to ‘build their expertise exceptionally well’.
Ofsted’s findings have been warmly welcomed by Haywood Village pupils, as well as leaders within the school and its parent trust the Cabot Learning Federation.
“When I read that report, I felt really proud to be in the school and be a student and that in the school,” said Nelesh in Year 6.
“I was elated to read this report and be in this school,” added Pippa, Year 5.
Craig Jones, Principal at Haywood Village Academy, said:
“We are thrilled with this report. These judgements reflect the commitment and ambition for high standards in all aspects of school life at Haywood Village Academy, from our team, over time and each day.
“We are also pleased for the community of Haywood Village and appreciate the support and engagement from our families to enable children to experience…”
Steve Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of the Cabot Learning Federation, said:
“Haywood Village has been a brilliant place to go to school ever since it opened. Maintaining outstanding provision is often more challenging than establishing it in the first place. What this team has achieved together with its community is exceptional.”
