Muskham Primary School celebrating good result of latest Ofsted report

Staff and youngsters at a village primary school are celebrating being named top of the class by Ofsted.

Muskham Primary School was visited by inspectors towards the end of the school term.

As of September 2024, Ofsted reports no longer gives schools a single overall grade like Good or Outstanding, but the inspection’s outcome judged that the school has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection, where it was rated ‘Good’ in 2016.

Headteacher Amanda Crossland said: “This report captures the spirit of Muskham. Our pupils are kind, respectful, and motivated to do their best - not just for themselves, but for each other. That’s something that our whole school community can be very proud of.”

The report praised Muskham’s “joyful and inclusive playtimes”, with children playing harmoniously and older pupils taking responsibility as ‘playground helpers’ and ‘Take 5 Ambassadors’.

Inspectors also singled out the school’s curriculum for praise, saying that pupils are supported to thrive, with particular strength in reading, and “well-trained staff ensure pupils get off to a strong start”.

Reading is the utmost priority, the report said, and the school has strengthened its approach to the teaching of reading, with books chosen to reflect both diversity and enjoyment.

The report added that Muskham school aims for high standards in all aspects of its work, with pupils able to understand the school’s consistently high expectations well and there being an “atmosphere of mutual respect across school”.

Inspectors also commends the school’s leadership and governance, with staff “proud to be part of the school’s success” and are sharply focused on ensuring that pupils thrive, both personally and academically

Chair of governors, Anne Allsop, added: “We are delighted that the report reflects what we see every day - a safe, happy and vibrant learning environment where staff and pupils work together to achieve brilliant things.”

Safeguarding was found to be effective, and pupils were described as being well-prepared for life beyond the village, with a secure understanding of how to stay safe both in person and online.