The children, staff, parents and governors at Ivy Lane School in Chippenham are celebrating their latest report from Ofsted which recognises that the school continues to be graded at ‘Good’.
Visiting over two days in January 2022, Ofsted commented on the shared commitment of all staff at the school, stating that, ‘Teamwork is central to the work at Ivy Lane to ensure pupils are educated and nurtured well.’ The report also states that, ‘Leaders ensure that there is a strong culture of keeping pupils safe.’
Similarly, the behaviour and attitudes of the children at Ivy Lane received high praise with the report stating, ‘Pupils enjoy coming to school and feel safe… they are polite and considerate… respectful of their peers and adults.’
The inspection focused heavily on the quality of education that is provided for the children at Ivy Lane, with lesson visits taking place to look at how the school approaches the teaching of early reading, maths and some of the wider curriculum subjects. In summing up the findings from these visits and the subsequent conversations with teachers and pupils, Ofsted commented positively on the way reading is prioritised at the school and was impressed with the strategies in place to ensure that any pupil who falls behind is supported to catch up.
Similarly, the approach to mathematics was praised, with the report stating, ‘Leaders have organised the mathematics curriculum carefully ensuring pupils revisit prior knowledge to support new learning.’ The quality of the SEND and pastoral provision at Ivy Lane was also recognised with the opportunities for outdoor learning also highlighted in the report.
In considering the views of parents, Ofsted reported that these were ‘overwhelmingly positive’ and quoted one parent saying, ‘Teachers are caring and passionate about the profession and provide engaging lessons which stimulate curiosity and imagination.’
Headteacher Mrs Helen Lammin said, “We are aiming to do our very best for each little person in our care to become lifelong learners. We strive to help all children to recognise their talents, build on their strengths, recognise where they may find something tricky and develop the skills to move forward. We are pleased that Ofsted recognised this in their report, praising the school and the children.”