High praise for Exeter federation

Exeter's Whipton Barton Federation, made up of an Infants and Nursery School and Junior School, is starting the academic year off with a celebration: Good ratings from their recent Ofsted inspections.

The federation, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, serving the children and community of Whipton iwas visited by Ofsted in June and July this year.

And in their report, inspectors praised the ‘broad and ambitious curriculum’ that allows early years children to ‘get off to a flying start’.

They also recognised that ‘leaders and staff have high expectations for all pupils to be successful, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND)’. The report also recognised the Infants and Nursery School as a place that ‘creates a nurturing environment where pupils grow in confidence’ and highlighted the ‘range of clubs where they can develop their skills and talents’.

Other highlights from the report include:

Parents praise the supportive staff
Leaders provide regular phonics training for staff
They design learning opportunities that help children to build their knowledge
Staff are proud to work at the school
Inspectors of the Junior School highlighted that ‘pupils enjoy learning, both in the classroom and beyond’ and ‘talk with enthusiasm about strengthening their knowledge through visits to places of interest, such as a rainforest biome.’

Having joined the Ted Wragg Trust in March 2019, the school has been supported in its journey of school improvement with investment and peer support. In alignment with Trust values, staff were commended by Ofsted for having created an inclusive environment where leaders place pupils’ personal development at the heart of the curriculum.

Ofsted inspectors also noted ‘pupils develop responsibilities through a range of roles, including play leaders, librarians and mental health ambassadors. They participate in local civic projects. These support them to become active citizens in their school and in the community.’

Other highlights from the report:

The relationship between staff and pupils is warm and respectful
Pupils enjoy holding debates and expressing their views on important topics or current affairs.
Pupils follow an ambitious curriculum

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust, said: “This Ofsted outcome is the culmination of an incredible amount of work from every member of the Whipton Barton community and I am so proud of them all. This school places students at the heart of its community and sets them up to go on to live lives full of opportunity.”

Headteacher Louise Moretta added: “These Ofsted reports reflect the hard work and dedication of our staff and pupils. We are so proud that the inspectors recognised our high standards and ambitious curriculum, along with our commitment to developing children’s interests and talents through an extensive programme of curriculum enrichment and extra-curricular activities. We look forward to building on these strengths and working together with our school community to transform lives and provide the children of Whipton Barton Federation with the very best education.”