A Derby school which pupils say they ‘love’ attending is helping them to reach for the stars, according to the latest Ofsted report.
Arboretum Primary School in Corden Street, part of the Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT), was judged to be ‘Good’ in all areas by inspectors who visited the school just before the summer break.
The report, now published, praises the school for being at the heart of the community and highlights several particularly strong areas, including its ambitions for pupils, inclusivity and behaviour.
Inspectors said the pupils told them they loved their school, they feel safe and know they are valued as individuals. They added that their teachers ‘are the best’.
They also talked about the Arboretum Promise which provides them with the opportunity to try 50 experiences before they leave school. These include activities such as zorbing, fishing in a pond and starring in a musical show.
Head teacher Helen Phillips said: “It is a wonderful report to read, we are pleased that inspectors picked up on the improvements made since our last inspection, our determination to help pupils reach for the stars and just how much our ‘Arboretum Promise’ means to the children.
“I’m very proud of the whole school team and would like to thank our children, parents, staff and governors – we are a real community.”
The school underwent an ungraded inspection in April 2023 and inspectors suggested the school needed to make improvements in five key areas; reading, the curriculum, behaviour and safeguarding arrangements
In this latest report, inspectors noted that the school had acted ‘swiftly and effectively’ to improve the ambition of the curriculum and how it is taught. They commented on the teacher’s secure subject knowledge and their deep care for all children who attend the school. They also said the school had ‘transformed the teaching of writing, leading to significant improvement in the accuracy and sophistication with which pupils write.’
The prioritisation of reading and phonics was also praised, with inspectors noting that children read from a variety of texts, including books written by the authors their classes are named after, such as Malorie Blackman and Charles Dickens.
The school’s focus on inclusivity was another area judged to be strong, with pupils with Special Education Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND), receiving personalised support in the Orchard provision to help them achieve their potential.
Dr Sarah Clark, chief executive officer of DDAT, said she was delighted with the latest findings.
She said: “Arboretum Primary School is wonderfully warm and welcoming and we are delighted with the specific comments inspectors made around how staff have continued to strive to achieve the best for the children and in turn are helping them to have high ambitions and expectations of themselves and to reach for the stars.
“We will support the school as staff continue to build on the achievements already made.”
This story was written and shared on behalf of Derby Diocesan Academy Trust by Sarah Newton. Can we share your news and get you in the headlines too? Find out how we can help by getting in touch.
