Pupils, staff and families at a Wednesfield school are celebrating after it was officially rated Good by Ofsted.

Inspector Heather Simpson visited Edward the Elder Primary School for 2 days in September, and found that pupils "work and play together happily and achieve well", and demonstrate good behaviour in class and at breaktimes.

Pupils at the Moat House Lane East school say they "get a good education and make lots of friends”. 

The school joined Elston Hall Multi Academy Trust in 2016, and is the second school within the Trust to receive an official Good judgement this year after Palmers Cross Primary School was inspected in the spring.

Ofsted noted that leaders and staff work closely with other schools in the Trust, with a "very strong" working relationship between schools. Staff morale and team spirit is high, pupils "act responsibly, know the difference between right and wrong” and "show mutual respect to adults and each other".

The report also went on to say that leaders and staff want pupils to achieve well, and most do. Pupils "particularly enjoy" maths, thanks to the school’s well planned curriculum. Tasks are matched to pupils' abilities, helping all groups to achieve well. Results in 2019 show pupils in Year 6 are above the national average in reading, writing and maths.

Children settle quickly in the early years thanks to the support of "attentive and caring" staff who involve parents in their child’s learning from the outset, sending home 'gift packs' containing early learning activities for families.

"No time is lost" in getting children reading, which starts as soon as they join the school. Teachers expect children in each year group to read on a daily basis, while story time and library visits help pupils to develop a love of reading.

"Eye-catching" displays around Edward the Elder celebrate pupils’ work and show the range of subjects studied, while photographs show "how much fun pupils have" with special events at school, such as 'mad hair days'.

Children enjoy the "wide range of activities and events that add to school life", including trips, visitors, clubs and special events, all of which add to their enjoyment of school.

Safeguarding is effective, with staff and governors fully trained in procedures. Assemblies and lessons share important messages with pupils about keeping safe, and staff are vigilant and report any concerns about pupils’ safety promptly.

Head of School Bridget Highman said: “I would like to thank all the staff for their hard work and commitment to the school, and to families and pupils for their part in supporting Edward the Elder’s journey of improvement over the last few years; it truly is a team effort.”

Kevin Grayson, Chief Executive Officer of Elston Hall Multi Academy Trust, added: “I wish to outline our pleasure at the outcome of this report for Edward the Elder and offer the best wishes from Elston Hall Multi Academy Trust and myself. 

“The judgement received following the inspection was richly deserved and testament to the hard work of staff, children and of course families of the school.

“Since beginning our association with Edward the Elder we quickly realised families wanted the best for the school and the children who are part of it; we are pleased we have achieved this together. 

“I know how determined the staff at the school are to continue improving and drive standards even higher – for now, however, congratulations to everyone for such well deserved success.”

Councillor Dr Michael Hardacre, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: "I would like to congratulate Bridget Highman and her team on this very good report which demonstrates that Edward the Elder is a very happy school which its well behaved pupils enjoy being a part of."

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