A PRIMARY school where children are "eager to learn" has been told it 'requires improvement' in several areas after an inspection by Ofsted.

As of September this year, Ofsted no longer gives a single overall grade to a school and instead applies one of the existing four grades to the individual sub-categories it assesses. 

Following an inspection on October 1 and 2, Chiltern Primary School, in Chiltern Way, was deemed 'good' for personal development. Ofsted found it 'requires improvement' in education quality; behaviour and attitudes; leadership and management; and early years provision.

The report, published on November 18, states: "Chiltern Primary is an inclusive school where pupils feel valued and accepted. Positive relationships, evident throughout the school, are built on the adults’ deep understanding of each pupil’s needs. Staff go to great lengths to support pupils and their families.

"As a result, pupils feel safe and know who to speak to if they have any concerns."

READ MORE: Mother of SEN child at £30k a year private school says it didn't support her needs

Chiltern Primary SchoolChiltern Primary School (Image: Google Street View)

It adds that recent work to improve the curriculum is having a "positive impact". However, the quality of education in essential areas such as reading and mathematics "needs to improve", Ofsted found, and that "pupils, including children in the early years, do not always learn or remember some key information as well as they should."

The report praised school leaders who have "created a new ambitious curriculum."

It adds: "Subject leaders are passionate advocates for their subjects. The important knowledge that pupils need to learn has been identified. It has been broken down into small steps that build learning over time as pupils move through the school."

Ofsted inspectors said the school "prioritises pupils who need additional help with learning. There are robust systems for identifying pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND)."

The report continues: "Typically, the school ensures that staff have secure subject knowledge. Teachers are well supported by curriculum planning.

"However, the school does not systematically check pupils’ understanding sufficiently well. Staff sometimes provide activities for pupils, including those with SEND, that do not help them to learn the curriculum effectively.

"As a result, some pupils struggle to remember what they have learned, leading to repeated errors. This creates gaps in the important knowledge they need to build upon to deepen their understanding."

According to the report, children in the early years are "eager to learn," and the school "effectively supports children who initially struggle with some of the routines and expectations of school". 

It added: "During play, children work well with their peers and share their equipment. However, the school does not ensure that children access all learning areas effectively.

"As a result, some children do not develop important early reading, writing and number skills successfully."

The Gazette has contacted Chiltern Primary School for a comment.

Find the full Ofsted report here: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/134652?utm_source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=report