Ofsted

Latest Reports

Please find below the latest reports by Ofsted. If you would like hard copies, please contact the school who will be happy to assist. Below this section you can find a brief outline of the report which you can read to get an overview of our last inspection.

Woden Primary

From September 2024, Ofsted no longer makes an overall effectiveness judgement in inspections of state-funded schools.

• ‘Learning to make a difference’ is seen and heard through all parts of the school day and beyond. Pupils enjoy their learning and strive to work hard. An increasing proportion of pupils are achieving well. The school’s high expectations for pupils’ behaviour and their growth as unique individuals are visible in its work with the youngest children to the oldest pupils. Behaviour is notably praiseworthy. 
• Pupils uphold the school’s values. Being ready, respectful and safe soon becomes second nature to them. Pupils grow in maturity, confidence and independence. From ‘buddy readers’ to being a budding junior police officer, pupils see the value in their roles and responsibilities and how they support their peers. 
• The school goes above and beyond to provide pupils with many varied experiences and opportunities. The ‘careers carnival’ opens the door to the world of work for pupils. It allows them to peek inside and gain insight into a vast array of jobs that exist after school. 
• Pupils have an active voice in many aspects of school life and appreciate that their opinions are asked for and respected. Peer mentors skim and scan the playground and step in if anyone needs a friend. Pupils are right when they say, ‘We can change things because we are listened to.’
• The trust’s motto of ‘unlocking potential and changing lives’ underpins the work at Woden. Skilful oversight ensures resources are directed in a way that allows school leaders and staff to focus their skills and energy on the work in hand. Through this carefully honed approach, both staff and pupils grow and flourish.
• The school makes a positive difference in the lives of pupils. Many pupils join the school at different times throughout the year. The school’s determination that every pupil will learn to know themselves, value education and experience the wider world is successful. This starts in the Nursery and Reception and continues throughout each year group. Pupils learn to know and follow the ‘Woden Way’.
• The school has designed an effective curriculum. The school welcomes pupils from over 30 countries with 40 spoken languages and considers pupils’ needs carefully. Additionally, the school welcomes increasing numbers of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), some of whose needs are growing in complexity.
• Children in the early years benefit greatly from the support of skilled staff who guide, model and play with them sensitively. Children begin to make sense of and use the English language well. They speak, listen and interact with other people with increasing confidence and accuracy. Whether it is reading a story to their teddies or refilling containers to explore capacity, children show that they can concentrate, share and enjoy their learning. The school’s well-thought-out routines throughout the day and the week are key to the success of children’s development. This sets them up very well for the learning that follows in Year 1.
• The early focus on language is sustained throughout the school. Pupils’ use of ambitious and sophisticated vocabulary in their work in different subjects is impressive. Reading links into writing. These links are strong and effective. Pupils learn to read well. Those who need more help or more time with this learning receive timely support. Staff are attuned to instinctively explaining the meaning of words that pupils might not readily understand. This helps pupils, especially those who speak English as an additional language, to make sense of their reading and writing.
• The attention to detail given to vocabulary and enrichment activities across subjects pays off. Pupils talk about their learning and educational visits with clear recall and use technical words with accuracy and understanding
• The school has increased its already extensive offer of pastoral support and counselling so that pupils are safe, feel secure and cared for and have strategies to talk about and manage their emotions. The dedication and expertise of staff supporting this work are remarkable. It makes a real and positive difference to many pupils.
• A standout feature of this school is the way in which pupils behave with consistently high levels of respect for others. The rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds intertwine successfully. Pupils do not see difference; they see diversity. For instance, a typical comment by a pupil was, ‘You treat others as you wish to be treated.’ This respect hums throughout the school. To hear pupils share with inspectors their appreciation of the opportunities that are open to all and what they gain from them is uplifting. They know they can try out different things and might discover they have a new skill or talent. To see the sense of duty they share in fulfilling their many and varied jobs and roles gives hope for the future.