Pupil behaviour has to improve

A South Holland Primary school has been rated as ‘requires improvement’ by Ofsted inspectors.

Gedney Drove End Primary School previously retained its good award in 2018, but a new report published on Monday has highlighted that some pupils have ‘poor attitudes and a lack of respect towards their peers,”

While leaders at the 39-pupil school are ‘ambitious’ for their pupils and have high expectations, there can be problems with behaviour.

“Incidents of poor behaviour are often repeated. Leaders take this seriously. They have plans in place to address this. Pupils say that bullying does happen, but not all pupils have a firm understanding of what bullying is. Leaders deal with incidents of bullying straight away,” says the report.

The school is described as both small and welcoming and a place where pupils and their teachers have warm relationships.

“Leaders have created an inclusive school. Staff care about the pupils and provide high-quality pastoral support,” the report adds.

The school’s quality of education, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision were all rated as good as a result of the inspection.

It was only behaviour and attitudes which ‘requires improvement’ and that was then given as the overall rating.

“Most pupils behave well. They engage positively with adults and concentrate on their learning. There are times when some pupils struggle to behave respectfully towards others during social times. Leaders monitor pupils’ behaviour closely.

“They know there is work to do to improve pupils’ conduct,” says the report.

The inspectors visited the village school on May 24 and 25 – and carried out deep dives into subjects including maths, reading, art and geography.

Staff are praised for their support for pupils with special educational needs or disabilities.

“This support is well planned and managed. Teaching assistants provide effective guidance to help pupils with SEND in lessons.”

The children are described as ‘curious learners’ and enjoy the activities planned for them.

“Pupils’ personal development is well considered. Staff celebrate pupils’ successes in and out of school. Pupils are proud to contribute to the school community through the jobs they do, such as junior online safety officers.

“Pupils know how to keep themselves safe and healthy. They show respect for difference and diversity,” the inspectors found.