Praise for Yate's 'friendly community school'

A YATE primary school has been praised for offering children a friendly environment where they feel happy and valued.

An inspector from Ofsted visited Wellesley Primary School in February and the regulator's report, published at the end of March, said it continues to be a 'good' school.

Inspector Jen Edwards said: "Wellesley Primary is a friendly community school, where pupils are happy, well understood and valued as individuals.

"Leaders have a deep regard for both pupils and their families. Parents are positive about the care that staff provide."

However after her short visit the inspector said she felt the school might not score so highly in a longer 'graded' inspection, which would be carried out next time.

The inspector said that from Reception onwards, staff at the school, in Edgeworth, have high expectations of pupils, and create a culture of enjoyment in learning.

She said: "Largely, teachers present subjects clearly to pupils. Most teachers make sure that pupils can understand important concepts and knowledge. They make sure pupils connect new learning to what they already know.

“Routines are well established in the early years. Children learn how to behave. Staff help them to become more independent and resilient.

"Teachers make sure pupils treat each other with kindness, care and empathy.

"Leaders and staff celebrate positive behaviour in a wide variety of ways. As a result, pupils are confident and enthusiastic."

The inspector said most pupils with special educational needs or disabilities are well supported, although their individual next steps are not always well planned.

She said school leaders are improving the teaching of early reading, but needed to improve expertise among teachers of