Claygate Primary School

SCHOOL DELIGHTED BY OFSTED RATING

A team of Ofsted inspectors visited Claygate Primary School last June, observing lessons, play times and interviewing teachers, children and governors, and the school was delighted to hear that it had been rated Outstanding or Good in every area.

Pupils' personal development and the school's early years provision (Reception and Acorns Nursery) were judged to be Outstanding; the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes (including attendance), and leadership and management were all graded as Good and “overall effectiveness” was found to be Good with Outstanding features.

All of the inspectors' judgments were very strongly positive and the verbal feedback given by the inspectors to senior leaders and governors was fulsome in its praise of the provision for children. The school commented: “We are delighted that Acorns Nursery was found to be an Outstanding Nursery and that early years and personal development in all years across the school are also Outstanding. It means these areas are deemed exceptional.” To be judged Outstanding, provision must be “exceptional” with no areas for improvement identified or required.

The team of inspectors recognised the many strengths across the school and that pupils value the extensive range of ac􀀛vi􀀛es provided for them both in and outside of school. They specifically noted the drama􀀛c improvement from the last inspection and successes in national assessment results (including Sats). And they described the children as well organised and delightful, with excellent manners and good social interaction.

The inspectors were also impressed by the Claygate Charter and enrichment opportunities. These allow children to explore different subjects, enjoy the school's pets, experience the Forest School, Gardening area, and Zen Zones, as well as the Eco Council and Class Ambassadors that enable them to engage in team working and build resilience and confidence.

Positive comments in the report included:

• “Leaders have high expectations in every aspect of school and want the very best for all pupils.”
• “Behaviour is calm and orderly.”
• “Leaders have focused on improving the quality of teaching and the curriculum.They have succeeded in both areas.”
• “There is now an ambitious curriculum in place right from the start of Nursery.”
• “Teachers know how to teach well.”
• “Teachers choose activities and resources well, especially in subjects such as mathematics and English which results in high quality work.”
• “All pupils, including those with special education needs and disability, are able to access the curriculum effectively.”

A full copy of the report can be found on the Claygate Primary School website and on the Ofsted website. The report is extremely positive and reflects the excellent progress the school has made since the previous inspection in 2019. The school sends its heartfelt thanks to everyone in the community: “We would like to thank our staff, our parents and the wider Claygate community for the tremendous support they have given us to achieve this success. The children at Claygate Primary School remain at the heart of all we do. We strive to help them to recognise their talents and build on their strengths.

“We will continue to work together to create caring, thoughtful and passionate learners who are proud of themselves and the communities they live in. We welcome the support of the community with our endeavours The school will continue to be outward facing, seizing opportunities to ensure all children leave Claygate Primary School fully equipped for the next stage in their lives.”

Author: Sandra Cunningham, Headteacher, Claygate Primary School

MUSIC CENTRAL TO LEARNING

A wealth of music and drama opportunities, which sees pupils going from playing hand bells through to composing their own original songs, is on offer at Claygate Primary School. Every pupil from Nursery (age three) to Year 6 (age 11) benefits from weekly lessons with a specialist music teacher, following a bespoke curriculum tailored to pupils’ needs.

Significant time is spent learning a progression of instruments from hand bells and the djembe drum at younger years to recorder, saxophone, piano/keyboard and ukulele at Key Stage 2. All pupils learn to perform in ensembles, read and write staff notation, and acquire the building blocks of improvisation and composition: the school now has its own repertoire of original songs, many with lyrics and/or music composed by pupils.

This is enhanced by pupils studying aspects of drama and musical theatre before showcasing them to parents and families. This is based on educational research that provides evidence that performing arts nurture pupils’ academic success across the whole curriculum: all pupils collaborate on a variety of projects run by prestigious musical institutions, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, English National Opera, Royal Shakespeare Company and the BBC, and take part in regular performances throughout their school career.

And there are even more extra-curricular opportunities in the performing arts: our provision was recently judged Outstanding by Ofsted for pupils’ personal development. With senior and junior choirs, instrumental band, drumming and keyboard ensembles, a pop and dance group and three different drama clubs, all of which perform each term, there is bound to be an activity to suit every budding young performer. The school additionally runs a media club for young journalists who record video bulletins on school events and present their own regular programme on local radio.

The school's performers appear at local events, including the Claygate Village Show, Claygate Christmas Lights, Surrey Arts and Elmbridge School Choirs Festivals, Young Voices, and Voice in a Million, among others. And there is collaboration with other local schools. Individual private tuition is also available in a variety of instruments from specialist tutors, offering pupils the opportunity to obtain ABRSM and LAMDA qualifications.

Visit the school's website www.claygate.surrey.sch.uk, or follow on social media at @ClaygatePrimary (Twitter) or contact the office to arrange a visit.

source: Claygate Courier, March 2024 issue, page 11