A Brighton primary school has been commended for its strong development and personal wellbeing in its latest Ofsted report.
Carden Primary School, in County Oak Avenue, Hollingbury, was awarded a “strong standard” rating for development and wellbeing after its inspection on Tuesday 3 March.
The report by government inspectors Scott Reece, Vanessa Mason and Ulric Neblett-Leigh praised the way that pupils “speak with confidence and pride” about their identities and others.
Pastoral care and enrichment were also praised, with the school offering outdoor learning, gardening, sport, music and swimming.
The report said: “The school fosters a strong sense of belonging where all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, feel valued and supported.
“Leaders have established a comprehensive and carefully considered programme for personal development and wellbeing.
“The curriculum makes a significant contribution to pupils’ wider development and helps them understand their responsibilities as members of society.
“Pupils learn to become responsible, respectful citizens who actively contribute to the life of the school and the wider community.
“Pupils demonstrate a confident understanding of fundamental British values and show respect for protected characteristics.
“The school’s ’empowerment’ programme further strengthens pupils’ character development.
“Pupils reflect thoughtfully on their actions and consider how their decisions affect themselves, others and the world around them.
“The computing curriculum supports this work effectively by teaching pupils about online safety.”
The school achieves above the national level for reading and writing in the year 6 national tests.
However, mathematics results were not as strong, with low outcomes in year 6 national tests and the year 4 times table check which was described as “needs attention”.
On the school’s focus on mathematics, the report said: “The school is prioritising this and is focusing on improving mathematics so that it matches the success seen in reading and writing.
“Leaders recognise that this is necessary to fully prepare pupils for their next steps in education.”
Conservative councillor Alistair McNair, who represents Patcham and Hollingdean and chairs the school’s governing body, congratulated the staff and leadership for the impressive report.
Councillor McNair said: “An Ofsted inspection is a rightly rigorous and gruelling process but everyone rose to the challenge.
“It became a real learning process for all involved, especially, I’m sure, for governors who are privileged to see first-hand how much effort and care goes into the education of our children.
“The school must be particularly proud of the inspectors’ comments on the school’s safe and welcoming environment and its approach to equality, diversity and inclusion with pupils showing how much they value the diversity of their community.
“Carden is proud to serve Hollingbury and Patcham and this report has shown the school provides its pupils with the teaching, curriculum and love of learning to help them succeed.”
