Ofsted May 2025
Golden Valley Primary School was inspected on the 7th and 8th of May 2025.
The school was judged to be Good in all areas.
The inspection highlighted our high academic expectations and how well our children achieve.
Staff are ambitious for pupils and have high expectations of them. Pupils rise to these expectations and achieve well, as exemplified in recent published outcomes.
Inspectors also noted the great behaviour of our children.
Pupils move calmly around the school, demonstrating the ‘wonderful walking’ they have been taught. Pupils represent the school’s motto to ‘share kindness’ in how they interact positively with staff, peers and visitors. They are happy and feel safe in school.
They also praised the role our children play in the life of our school.
Pupils benefit from many opportunities to take on leadership responsibilities, for example, as digital leaders, anti-bullying ambassadors or as members of the eco or sports council. Pupils have a strong voice in decisions about school life. They enjoy the range of clubs that are available to them, including coding, girls’ football, basketball and the ‘chill zone’. The Year 6 residential is a particular highlight for the older pupils.
Reading is at the heart of our curriculum and this was recognised by the inspection team.
As soon as children join in the Reception Year, they start to learn the phonics sounds they need to begin their reading journey. They read books that allow them to practise and use the phonics sounds they are learning. This helps them to become confident and fluent readers. If any pupil struggles with their reading, they receive timely and focused support, which means that they catch up quickly. Pupils develop positive reading habits as they move up through the school. Older pupils love reading with the younger pupils. All pupils value this special activity.
We were pleased that they recognised our excellent EYFS provision.
Children in the Reception Year benefit from the recently enhanced outside space, which supports the development of their gross motor skills.
They also praised the personal development opportunities we offer our children.
A thoughtfully designed programme of learning and activities supports pupils’ personal development. For example, children in the Reception Year learn about making positive friendships. By the time pupils are in Year 6, they explore the importance of having high self-esteem. Pupils develop a good understanding of current affairs and different religious festivals.
We are extremely proud of the journey our school has been on. The staff team at Golden Valley are committed to the academic and social needs of our children. They care passionately about each pupil and are committed to their own development to ensure our school continues to thrive and adapt to meet our community's needs.
Our staff continue to learn and grow, not because they aren't good enough, but because they want to be better and because they model the behaviour we expect from our children.
Kindness....Challenge.....Excellence.