A PRIMARY school in Winsford says its recent Ofsted rating of ‘requires improvement’ does not fully capture the ‘true ethos and standards’ of the school.

The Ofsted report about Wharton CE Primary School was published last week after an Ofsted inspection on November 17 and 18, 2021 – and school leaders hit out at the 'new reporting format' which does not show its vision and values.

While behaviour and attitudes and personal development were rated ‘good’, the report says staff need to improve the quality of education, leadership and management and the early years provision.

Key points include making sure curriculum plans identify the most important knowledge that pupils need to learn, and leaders ensuring pupils receive the support they need if they fall behind in reading.

The report added: “Leaders and governors have not ensured that pupils with SEND (special education needs and disability) benefit from a good-quality education.

“In the past, leaders’ systems have not ensured that pupils’ needs have been identified in a timely manner.

“Leaders and governors should continue to improve the provision.”

Meanwhile, positives from the report include: “Pupils enjoy school. They benefit from warm and caring relationships with staff which help them to feel safe.

“Pupils have positive attitudes to learning and they work hard in their lessons to meet leaders and teachers’ high expectations.

“Leaders have designed a curriculum that is suitably broad and ambitious for all pupils, including those with SEND.

“Well-trained teaching assistants support pupils with their learning.”

Natalie Tomlinson, head teacher, and Tim Hanson, chair of governors, said: "We are very proud of the ‘good’ judgements for ‘behaviour and attitudes’ and ‘personal development’, as these are a key part of our ethos and culture and a reflection of the emphasis placed on children’s mental health and wellbeing, and the importance of this in allowing children to flourish.

"After two full years of disruption due to the pandemic, the areas for improvement outlined in the report are no surprise to us and are already identified on our school development plan for this academic year to ensure that all children receive the best possible education.

"With this in place, we are in a strong position and keen to address the things Ofsted says we need to do next.

"Staff and governors believe the new reporting format does not fully capture the true ethos and standards of our school, neither does it capture our distinctly Christian vision and values, as the report is only a very brief summary of what was seen during the inspection.”