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• Pupils speak positively about their learning at Malvern Parish CE Primary School

  Mon 06 Apr 2020

  Malvern Parish CE Primary School—March 2020 GOOD

  Inspectors highlighted the fact that, ‘Pupils are happy and confident learners in this friendly and welcoming school. They speak positively about their learning and say things like ‘I love music. It takes you to a better place’.  The report goes on to say, ‘Pupils readily take on extra responsibilities, for example playground leaders and peer mediators. Pupils enjoy the range of clubs offered, including unusual ones, such as ‘felting’ and ‘imagineering’’.

  The report praised the approach the school is taking, ‘Leaders and staff have devised an interesting curriculum. It is generally well planned and covers all subjects. Exciting topics, such as ‘Let Battle Commence’, combine subjects and develop knowledge and skills in different areas’.

  Inspectors felt that, ‘Staff set high expectations for behaviour and learning. They want all pupils to do well and they do. Pupils achieve well in English and mathematics. The curriculum is broad and interesting. Exciting topics enthuse and motivate pupils. Their learning is enriched with interesting trips and events’.

  Other aspects praised in the report include; reading, writing, music and Early Years.

  The report also points out that, ‘Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are helped to learn successfully. Staff consider pupils’ individual needs well and adapt activities accordingly, using external support when appropriate’.

   

• Pinvin CE First School continues to be a good school

  Mon 06 Apr 2020

  Pinvin CE First School – Ofsted: March 2020 GOOD

  This report starts by confirming that, ‘Pinvin CofE First School continues to be a good school’. Inspectors praised the input of the new leaders, who are, ‘putting things in place to improve the school… and to ensure that pupils get a better deal. Expectations are higher. Lots of new curriculum plans, policies and systems have been introduced’. These new leaders, some of whom have only been in place for a few weeks, ‘have clear plans in place to improve the school. They are taking action to improve the curriculum and the standards that pupils achieve’.

  The report notes that a new approach for phonics has been introduced and a new scheme to teach maths ‘is ensuring greater consistency and helping teachers plan lessons which are sequenced more carefully. A range of practical apparatus helps pupils understand what they are doing. Immediate support is provided for those who do not understand the new things they are learning.’ Inspectors recognised that, ‘the teaching of early reading is a priority’.

  Other curriculum areas, including Personal, Social and Health Education have also benefited from new planning. ‘Pupils feel safe in school and know who to talk to if they have a problem. When other pupils are unkind or do not share, adults sort things out quickly’. Parents were asked their opinion of the schools and, ‘say that they can see things improving daily. They see school staff as supportive and caring. Parents have confidence that concerns are dealt with promptly and effectively’.

   

• St Nicholas CE Middle School - moving at pace to a better future

  Mon 06 Apr 2020

  St. Nicholas CE Middle School—Ofsted: February 2020 SERIOUS WEAKNESSES

   

  Inspectors highlighted the fact that, ‘Pupils are happy and cheerful. They are confident and enjoy helping others. Positive relationships, underpinned by the school’s Christian values, exist between staff and pupils and among pupils. Pupils say they feel safe because the staff look after them.’ Inspectors raised some concerns regarding the quality of education and felt, ‘Pupils are not achieving as well as they could in many subjects’. Although in some areas of the curriculum, teachers have good subject knowledge, this was not the case for all subjects. However, they recognised that, ‘The new leadership team is aware of this. Leaders are taking appropriate action, but they still have more work to do.’ This work is continuing at pace as, ‘The new senior leaders and the local academy board have a good understanding of the school’s strengths and weaknesses. Supported by the multi-academy trust, they are leading improvements across the school. These improvements are already making a noticeable difference.’

  The report praised ‘Staff organise a range of interesting trips, after-school clubs and special events. Pupils are very excited about the annual trip to Normandy. These activities help to bring learning to life, especially for pupils who are disadvantaged. Pupils understand the importance of a healthy diet and regular exercise. They are aware of the risks associated with being online.’

   

• Praise for Curriculum Leaders at St. Barnabas CE Middle School

  Mon 06 Apr 2020

  St. Barnabas CE First and Middle School – Ofsted: January 2020 REQUIRES IMPROVEMENT

   

  This report recognised the hard work of the new leadership team in stemming the previous decline of the academy and in ‘implementing suitable plans to drive improvements across the school.’

  Inspectors recognised the strengths in Early Years, ‘Staff gain a strong understanding of children’s needs quickly and plan to meet these needs very well. Staff model language carefully to help children develop their communication skills rapidly. Children have a wide range of learning experiences to develop all areas of their learning. For example, forest school sessions develop children’s understanding of the wider world. Staff and children develop warm and supportive relationships. Because of this, children are confident and are not afraid to tackle the challenges of the ambitious and well-sequenced early years curriculum. ‘

  Curriculum leaders were praised for their work in revising the planning for the curriculum and basing this on prior learning. However, inspectors felt leaders now needed to ensure work was sufficiently challenging and that the recent changes in approach and progression were being followed in each class.

   

• Offenham CE First School - a happy, ambitious place for pupils to learn

  Mon 06 Apr 2020

  Offenham CE First School – Ofsted: January 2020 GOOD

  Inspectors felt this was a happy, ambitious place for pupils to learn. One pupil explained, ‘We take behaviour seriously at this school’. The inspectors agreed. The report praised the academy’s approach to reading, ‘Leaders have made reading a priority. Pupils read every day. Parents are shown how to support their children with early reading and almost all do. Staff encourage pupils to read different books. Regular storytime helps capture pupils’ imagination and promotes a love for reading. Pupils who fall behind are given extra time to read to an adult in school. Pupils read books that match the sounds they learn in lessons.’

  The report also highlighted the fact that the academy had designed an exciting curriculum, despite the challenges of mixed age teaching. ‘Pupils enjoy the range of extra-curricular opportunities offered. The ‘Eisteddfod’ festival allows pupils to demonstrate their creative skills, such as in poetry, music and baking. The annual visit to the Houses of Parliament for older pupils is particularly memorable and purposeful. Post-visit, pupils are voted into positions such as ‘Prime Minister’ and other ministerial roles. This provides a real purpose to their learning about democracy, and helps to develop pupils’ leadership skills and contributes to their personal development.’

   

• Two new additions to the @DoWMAT Team!

  Wed 01 Apr 2020

  This term, we have made two great appointments to the Trust: Mrs Sandra Jennings, who has been Acting Head of School for St. Nicholas CE Middle School on a year-long temporary basis, will, from April 20th 2020, take on the overall Headteacher post at the Pinvin Federation which includes St. Nicholas CE Middle School and Pinvin CE First School; and Mrs Cheryl Cunningham has joined us on our Central Team as our new Accounts Assistant. Both are extremely welcome and we are looking forward to working with them.