Recent improvements to teaching and curriculum at Bristol’s Waycroft Academy have had a ‘huge impact’, according to Ofsted inspectors, who say the school is now ‘Good’ in all areas.
The primary school – located in Stockwood – offers a ‘calm and purposeful’ learning environment where children are ‘supported with kindness and understanding’, inspectors said.
Ofsted’s glowing endorsement follows a two-day visit from an inspection team, who met leaders from Waycroft and theschool’s multi-academy trust the Cabot Learning Federation, spoke to staff, parents and pupils, and carried out a ‘deep dive’ into teaching and curriculum.
In his report, lead inspector Gavin Summerfield praised Waycroft’s ‘ambitious’ and ‘well-planned’ curriculum, ‘effective’ safeguarding, and the ‘warm and nurturing relationships’ established with early years pupils and those with special educational needs.
On behaviour, his report said: “Pupils work hard in the classroom and participate in lessons with enthusiasm. Pupils learn in a calm and purposeful way.
“The school values of ‘Ready, Respectful and Resilient’ are understood by all. Pupils behave well around the school and live up to the high expectations set by staff.”
On teaching, it said: “The quality of education has improved greatly since the previous inspection and is now in line with the strong pastoral support that pupils receive.
“The school has reflected on the 2023 published pupil outcomes and has prioritised the curriculum. There has been huge impact.”
On wellbeing, it said: “Pupil leadership opportunities such as the school tech team or school council let pupils play an active part in improving the school. Members of the pupil-led wellbeing team welcome other pupils into school and support the mental health of their peers.
“The selection process for these roles is designed to help pupils to understand the importance of democracy and prepare them for life in modern Britain.”
On personal development, it said: “The rich and varied curriculum for personal development is a strength.
“Older pupils show a mature understanding of healthy relationships, power imbalance and discuss important and relevant issues such as the impact of social media on body image. High-quality pastoral support helps pupils manage and understand their feelings.
“Trips and visits are deliberately planned, enhancing many areas of the curriculum.
And on leadership, it added: “The school has recently joined a new multi-academy trust. The expertise and experience available in the trust has supported the school to strengthen its curriculum and provide the right level of challenge and support to school leaders.
“Staff are well supported by leaders who are considerate of their workload and wellbeing. As a result, staff support each other well, there is a strong team ethos and they are proud to work at the school.”
Adam Smith, Headteacher at Waycroft Academy, said:
“Throughout the inspection we were incredibly proud of our children, and of their behaviour, attitudes and understanding of our school values.
“Staff are obviously delighted our school was judged as ‘Good’ in all areas, as it reflects the dedication and hard work that has gone into making improvements since the previous inspection in 2021.
“We are especially pleased with the inspectors’ commendation of our strong team ethos and the way our staff are proud to work at the school, support each other and support the children. It is fitting recognition of our efforts to provide the very best education that we can.”
