Milton Park Primary School described as 'wonderfully inclusive' following recent Ofsted inspection

Milton Park Primary School, located in Eastney Road, has been described as a ‘wonderfully inclusive’ school that is a ‘nurturing’ environment for pupils. The Ofsted inspection took place on June 18 and 19 and it found that ‘pupil leaders make a highly effective and positive contribution to the school community.’ The school is part of the University of Portsmouth Academy Trust and its previous inspection, before being taken over by the trust was ‘requires improvement’.

The report said: “The school has a strong ambition for all pupils to achieve well. Many children arrive in school at various times of the year from other countries; they speak English as an additional language or are service children.

“Staff’s subject knowledge is strong. Pupils benefit from opportunities to discuss learning with each other, as it deepens their thinking. Staff make precise adaptations for pupils with SEND and, as a result, these pupils achieve well. In most subjects, staff use assessment to check pupils’ understanding in lessons effectively and quickly address their mistakes or misunderstandings.”

The Ofsted found that the school’s phonics and reading is a strength and staff ensure that appropriate books are selected for pupils. From the start of reception, children get a good start to their phonics and reading development throughout. Diverse texts are chosen so that pupils can form an appreciation for different cultures, religions and lifestyles. Wendy Fowler, headteacher, said: “Milton Park Primary School is proud to announce that it has received an overall good grading in its recent Ofsted inspection, with outstanding gradings in both personal development and early years provision. This achievement highlights the school’s dedication to providing high-quality education and exceptional support to all of its pupils.

“We are absolutely thrilled with the outcomes of our recent inspection. Achieving a good rating overall and outstanding in both personal development and early years provision is a tremendous accomplishment for our school community.

“I am thrilled for our entire school community that the report recognises and celebrates the wonderful work of our amazing school. I am particularly pleased for the staff who work tirelessly to ensure that the children of Milton Park Primary School get the very best education possible.”

The report added: “In the early years, children get off to an excellent start. Many children enter the school with significant needs. The school identifies these needs, often before children start in the Reception classes, and extra support is provided so that they catch up to their peers and get a flying start to their education. Expertly trained staff support pupils extremely well to develop their early reading and writing skills.”

The safeguarding measures are effective and there is a strong culture of keeping young people safe in and out of the school setting. The inspection also found that leaders are ‘highly ambitious’ and the personal development of students is ‘exceptional’.

For more information about the Ofsted report for Milton Park Primary School, click here.