Bassetlaw school found to be good in all areas by education watchdog

In their newly published report, inspectors said children are “a credit to the school”, saying: “Pupils are happy at this friendly, welcoming school. They enjoy their learning and being with friends. Pupils say that they feel safe. They know that staff are quick to sort out concerns for them.”

The report says staff at the school on Main Street, North Leverton, have high expectations of their pupils saying, “classrooms are calm and purposeful places of learning” and “pupils want to do their best, they have a can-do attitude to learning and respond positively to the staff”.

The report found families felt positive about the school.

Inspectors quoted one parent who told them: “Leverton may be a small school, but it is full of people with big hearts.”

The school is described as having an ambitious curriculum that “starts right from nursery”, and where children learn new vocabulary from the outset, demonstrating communication and language are at the heart of the school’s curriculum.

Teachers are described as having good knowledge of their subjects and there is an emphasis on reading at the school, and that “children start learning to read soon after joining the Reception class”.

Inspectors said all pupils make strong progress with their phonic knowledge and “early readers receive high-quality support”.

The school was also praised for a well-planned mathematics curriculum which helps pupils build up their understanding.

Inspectors also praised school leaders for their support of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities to access the curriculum.

It said: “They regularly seek advice from external agencies, to ensure pupils with SEND thrive at school. Teachers identify the needs of pupils with SEND accurately. They adapt their teaching well so these pupils can access the curriculum.’

Rebecca Chadwick, headteacher, said: “We are delighted the report recognises so many good aspects of our lovely school. The hard work and commitment shown by staff, children, and their supportive parents and carers, is what makes Leverton such a wonderful place for our children to learn and grow.

“I hope the school community will take a moment to reflect with pride on all the positives in the report, and also be assured that the staff and I will continue to strive for further improvements and opportunities for our children going forward.

“We are determined to make this the best school we can, one which offers our children the best possible start to their educational journey.”

The inspection found “leaders have established a culture of calm, kind and thoughtful behaviour. Relationships between pupils and adults are incredibly positive. Pupils have a high regard for one another.”

It highlights leaders plan carefully for pupils’ personal development and that children are well prepared for life in modern Britain through the taught curriculum.

The school is described as inclusive and that its safeguarding is effective saying: “There is a strong culture of safeguarding at the school. Leaders provide regular training for staff. Leaders and trustees regularly check the school’s safeguarding procedures.”

The report said Leverton encourages leadership roles for pupils and children enjoy those positions of responsibility.

Miss Chadwick said: “While this report is so positive, we are already taking steps to make further improvements and are confident of our future success.

"Children are at the centre of all we do at Leverton and we are committed to creating a school which can be the pride of its community, and a fun, and nurturing learning environment for all of our children. They deserve the best.”