Pupils and parents love 'safe and happy' village primary school

Old Sodbury School creates a welcoming and supportive environment for all pupils, as praised by Ofsted.

Pupils love attending Old Sodbury school – that’s the verdict from Ofsted.

Ofsted has heaped praise on the primary school in a report published last week, saying children at Old Sodbury Church of England Primary School are ‘safe and happy’.

The school has 105 pupils aged 4-11 on its roll.

The report continued: “Parents describe the school as welcoming and say that their children flourish and thrive.

“The school has high expectations of what every pupil can achieve. Pupils do well. They are keen to learn.

“Pupils demonstrate the school values of courage, compassion and respect in their actions. They behave well and are kind to one another. Pupils are friendly and courteous.

“The school has many enrichment activities to enable pupils to ‘let their light shine’ through. Performing arts are a particular strength of the school. Many pupils learn an instrument and take part in the choir and orchestra. The annual musical productions are eagerly anticipated. All pupils have a role to play in these, as they do in the wider life of the school. Leaders make sure that every pupil has a rich set of experiences during their time at the school.

“Pupils take part in trips which broaden their experiences of the wider world. They visit local museums to enhance their learning. Residential trips and outdoor activities at school develop pupils’ confidence and characters.”

The report praise the ‘broad and ambitious’ curriculum which gives ‘secure’ knowledge to all pupils.

It added: “In the early years, staff make sure that all children complete the planned learning, while ensuring the curriculum develops children’s interests. Children show a passion for developing their language and learning to read and write. Staff rapidly spot signs that a child might need extra help, including those with SEND.”

It added that staff ‘expertly teach children to read’ and provided rapid support for those who needed to catch up. Pupils' behaviour was also praised, with rarely any interruption to learning.

The report continued: “Pupils’ leadership roles build their characters and confidence. Pupils successfully plan and lead assemblies and worship. The lunchtime crew’s help younger pupils to play together well on the wide range of play equipment.

“Pupils know that they are valued as unique individuals within the school community. They are confident to share their own views. They listen courteously to one another and accept that other people might have different views to their own.”

Headteacher, Bernice Webber-Brown said: “I am so proud of our school community, children, parents, staff and governors who have worked together to create an environment where outstanding provision for our pupils personal development ensures that all children here thrive.”