Luton primary school praised by Ofsted after major turnaround
A primary school in Luton has celebrated its latest Ofsted report, five years after being told it was inadequate.
Wenlock CofE Academy, in Beaconsfield Road, was visited by Ofsted inspectors in February as part of a routine inspection into the school.
In November 2021, the school was judged to be inadequate. Now, although the education regulator has changed its grading system, the results show a major turnaround.
The school’s dedication to inclusion and personal development were highlighted as particular strengths.
The report stated: “Staff respond to pupils' needs with great care and accuracy. Leaders work closely with parents and carers. Consequently, everyone shares a clear understanding of how to support pupils well. Leaders recognise many different types of need.”
Inspectors found that pupils love coming to what they described as a caring school, with the staff helping pupils to feel positive about being at school.
The report stated: "Pupils focus well and work hard. They walk calmly and sensibly around the school. Bullying is rare. Pupils trust staff to deal with it if it happens. Pupils enjoy playtimes.”
Headteacher Ms Burke said: “I am immensely proud of the children, families and hard-working staff at Wenlock.
“The report reflects the perseverance and dedication of the entire school community.”
The only area found to need attention was the results in national tests at the end of key stage 2, which were not high enough.
The inspectors said: “Previously, gaps in pupils' knowledge were not identified accurately or quickly enough and therefore remained.
“Leaders have developed teaching and improved the curriculum to address this. Leaders now ensure that pupils learn the basics of reading, writing and mathematics more securely. However, there is still more work to do.”
Attendance has also improved, which Ofsted put down to leaders taking effective steps when pupils' attendance falls.
The inspectors said: “The number of pupils who are persistently absent is falling. There are many reasons why some pupils cannot attend school regularly.
“Staff have different ways to support them. Effective pastoral support and positive relationships with families underpin leaders' successful work.”
Ms Burke added: “The children at Wenlock are just a delight, they really are the young leaders of the future and keep me organised! To celebrate our 2 strong and 3 secure Ofsted outcomes, the whole school will be off to the seaside!”