Ofsted praise for ‘family atmosphere’ and high expectations in Wilton Primary Academy!

Wilton Primary Academy has been celebrated by Ofsted inspectors for a “family atmosphere” and for the ways in which academy staff ensure every child feels happy and safe.

The small village academy in Lazenby was inspected Ofsted on 10 November 2022. The academy is part of Tees Valley Education multi-academy Trust which consists of five academies in Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland.

Staff at the academy were praised for their high expectations of children and for delivering a curriculum that “enables pupils to achieve well”.

The report also reads, “Staff successfully create opportunities for widening pupils’ horizons. This enhances pupils’ understanding of future educational and career pathways. Pupils are proud of their achievements in music and choir.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impacts on Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC).

Research suggests that the pandemic impacted pre-school children in a number of ways, including social, emotional and behavioural development and mental health, physical development and school readiness.

However, inspectors found that “children in Nursery and Reception learn the routines of school quickly. They listen attentively and respond well to staff and their peers”. Leaders were also praised because they have been responsive to the needs of children and “established secure planning for the early years and for key stages 1 and 2.”

Alison Hill, Executive Headteacher at Wilton Primary Academy and Dormanstown Primary Academy, said, “As a team across both academies, we are delighted that inspectors recognised the hard work of colleagues and were able to see the family atmosphere that makes Wilton Primary Academy distinct”.

Alison added, “our children love attending Wilton Primary and colleagues have excellent relationships with the families that make up our academy and the community. The last few years have been incredibly difficult for many families and we will believe it is our role to support, encourage and champion our children and families at every opportunity”.

The academy received further acclamation for its strong links with Dormanstown Primary Academy in Redcar. Inspectors noted that “links with another local school in the trust have expanded pupils’ experiences. This helps pupils to meet other pupils beyond this school.”

Katrina Morley, CEO of Tees Valley Education Trust, said, “We are delighted with the achievements of our colleagues and children at Wilton Primary Academy. At a time when families and communities continue to struggle, it is important for us to ensure that our children get the very best of opportunities. This is a tenet of our Trust and we express our thanks to the families, organisations and individuals that support the work of our academies across the region”.