Pupils at Woodlands Primary School feel safe, valued and well cared for. They told me that, ‘This school is like a big family, where everyone gets on well with each other.’ This is because all leaders put pupils at the heart of every decision that they make. The school expects everyone to behave well and work hard. Pupils are challenged to do their best. They live up to this expectation. Pupils also appreciate that teachers help them to find answers for themselves, even when they are stuck or get something wrong. Pupils love to take advantage of the many opportunities that the school provides. For example, they use the fully equipped theatre to put on performances. Behaviour in school is exemplary. Pupils are polite and well mannered. Older pupils are positive role models. They remind younger pupils to make the right choices, so that adults do not need to intervene very often. Pupils told us that bullying was rare. This is because it is not tolerated by leaders. Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school. As one parent said, ‘The children’s needs and happiness are at the forefront of engaging them in meaningful learning.’ What does the school do well and what does it need to do better? Leaders and governors work hard to provide pupils with the best education possible. They have thought about what should be taught in the various subjects and considered how learning should be sequenced so that lessons build on pupils’ prior knowledge. Leaders have developed an engaging and ambitious curriculum with particular strengths in English, mathematics, science, music, the arts and sport. History and geography are not as well developed. Leaders are aware of this and have appointed new leaders to ensure that the necessary improvements are made. Reading is a priority throughout the school. The teaching of phonics is well organised and effective. All teachers are skilled and confident in the teaching of phonics. They provide tailored support for the small number of pupils who are at risk of falling behind, to get them back on track. Pupils enjoy reading. They are given books at the right level for their ability and read regularly to an adult in school. Guided reading sessions are well organised. Teachers use texts that are well matched to the interests and abilities of pupils. This makes sure that pupils are engaged in their learning. Pupils learn to read with fluency and expression. Pupils told me that they really enjoy being read to by an adult. They say that this adds to their love of reading. Behaviour during lessons is exceptional. Pupils are eager to learn, and they are engaged in lessons. However, not all pupils attend school as often as they should. Leaders work hard to reduce absence, but it remains higher than it should be. Leaders have the same high ambitions for pupils with special educational needs. Their thorough approach to assessment means that the needs of pupils are accurately identified. This makes sure that the right support is put in place. Most pupils with special educational needs learn alongside their classmates, enjoy the full curriculum and achieve well. Children in the early years get off to a great start. The teachers plan a range of engaging activities which help children to grow and flourish. The development of reading, writing and early mathematics is cleverly woven into the many activities on offer. This secures strong foundations for future learning. The curriculum is not limited to the school day. Pupils enjoy taking part in a wide range of activities, both during and after the school day. They told me about the huge range of clubs that they can join. These include drama, music, art and a variety of sports clubs. All pupils can learn to play a musical instrument. Learning is also brought alive through scientific workshops, cultural diversity days and educational visits. All staff in the school feel well supported and are proud to work at Woodlands Primary School. Staff all agree that their workload is taken into consideration. They say that leaders have taken steps to reduce this where they can. For example, leaders have rescheduled monitoring activities so that they don’t all take place at the same time. Leaders are also mindful of staff well-being. Staff spoken to appreciate the creation of a well-being lead, who provides a welcome ‘listening ear’.