'Close-knit community' school rated Good by inspectors

A Bilston primary school has been rated Good by Ofsted, with inspectors describing it as a 'close-knit community where everyone is valued'.

Inspectors visited Villiers Primary School just before the summer holidays and found that pupils feel safe, are polite and are well-mannered, and that the school’s ethos of ‘work hard, be kind’ is part of everyday life in school.

Pupils listen well and focus on their work in class, and there is a fun atmosphere on the playground.

Leaders, supported by SHINE Academies Trust, governors and the City of Wolverhampton Council, 'continue to improve the quality of education in the school'. They have 'overhauled and improved the curriculum and pupils achieve well as they progress'; even so, leaders are 'keen to develop the quality of education further'.

Leaders have thought carefully about the structure and content of the curriculum. The early years curriculum gives children a solid start for future learning and, in all subjects, there is a deliberate focus on widening and developing pupils’ vocabulary.

Reading is a whole-school priority and, from the start, children develop their reading skills well. Leaders organise a range of special events throughout the year to promote the love of reading and pupils spoke enthusiastically to inspectors about the school’s 'reading sheds' and its book vending machine.

The curriculum is enriched through a varied range of activities, including trips to the theatre and local outdoor areas, and through after-school clubs.

Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are fully included in lessons and all aspects of school life.

Staff at all levels ‘feel valued and staff morale appears high’. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff well trained and knowing exactly what to do if they have a concern about a pupil’s welfare.

Meanwhile, parents praise the way the school attends to their children’s education and their wider development, and 'value the attention to pupils’ different needs'.

In his report, lead inspector Wayne Simner concludes that Villiers Primary School continues to be a Good school.

Lisa-Anne Rogers, Headteacher of the Proud’s Lane school, said: "We’re very pleased with the report as it’s a great reflection of the children and staff’s hard work. We’re proud that our efforts have been recognised.”

Councillor Chris Burden, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Work, said: "I would like to congratulate Lisa and her team at Villiers Primary School on delivering such a high standard of education to their children.

"It is clear from this report that leaders are not content to rest on their laurels and are determined to raise standards even further and I am pleased that we, as a council, are able to support the school on its continuing journey of improvement."

Pupils from Villiers Primary School celebrate their Good Ofsted success with Councillor Chris Burden, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Work, Lisa Rogers, Headteacher and Hayley Bentley, Deputy Headteacher.