Wansdyke School in Devizes is celebrating after inspectors praised its welcoming atmosphere, high standards of learning and strong support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities following a recent Ofsted inspection.
Inspectors found the school to be achieving a strong standard in a number of key areas, including achievement, attendance and behaviour, inclusion, leadership and governance, and early years provision. Safeguarding standards were also found to be met.
The report highlighted the school’s inclusive ethos, noting that ‘Pupils feel welcome and included at this school’. Inspectors found that pupils enjoy learning, form positive relationships with staff and classmates and benefit from a culture where kindness and tolerance are highly valued.
Achievement across the school was praised, with inspectors reporting that ‘Pupils complete written work of a high standard and respond to feedback to improve it’. The report also highlighted pupils’ well-developed reading, handwriting and mathematical knowledge, alongside their ability to apply learning confidently in new situations.
Inspectors were particularly impressed by the school’s provision for pupils with SEND. The report stated that ‘Pupils with SEND achieve very well from their starting points’, recognising the tailored support and ambitious curriculum provided for children with additional needs.
Behaviour and attitudes were also commended. Inspectors noted that pupils ‘pride themselves on contributing to the school’s mission of “being the best” by following the rules, working hard and showing kindness to others’. The report described the school as a warm, welcoming place where pupils are happy and able to focus on learning without interruption.
The inspection found that leaders and staff identify pupils’ needs early and adapt support as those needs change. Inspectors said pupils with SEND are able to access an ambitious curriculum while receiving the targeted support they need to succeed both academically and socially.
Headteacher Samuel Heard welcomed the findings, saying, “We are delighted with such a positive endorsement of our school. This Ofsted report reflects the incredible work of our staff and pupils, each and every day. Inspectors really understood the context of our inclusive school, and were keen to celebrate the strong practice they saw.
“The report affirms what a remarkable school Wansdyke is and we could not be more proud of this outcome for everyone associated with the school.”
The report also recognised the positive views of parents, who told inspectors that their children are well supported regardless of their backgrounds or additional needs and that communication from the school is clear and effective.
