Primary school praised by Ofsted for “exemplary” pupil behaviour

Inspectors visited Woolmore Primary School in Poplar on September 28 and 29 and the report was published on November 17.

The Woolmore Street school, previously rated ‘good’ in 2015, received the highest ‘outstanding’ rating across all areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision. 

Inspectors wrote in their report: “Teachers skilfully find out what pupils know.

“If pupils need to go over knowledge again, staff make sure that this happens.

Pupils at Woolmore Primary School (Image: Photo by Woolmore Primary School)

“They are highly skilled in adjusting learning so that pupils master important concepts.

“This includes making adaptations for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).”

Behaviour at the school was described as “exemplary”, with pupils learning to respect people who are different from themselves.

Ofsted was impressed by the high expectations and aspirations that staff have for pupils and that children “thrive in all aspects of school life and relish their learning”.

Tracy Argent, headteacher of Woolmore Primary School, celebrates an outstanding Ofsted report (Image: Photo by Woolmore Primary School)

Inspectors also wrote that pupils feel safe at Woolmore Primary School – both understanding what bullying is and knowing that it is unacceptable. The report said adults at the school quickly sort out concerns about bullying if they do arise.

Inspectors praised the fact that pupils could remember things they had learned “fluently and in-depth”. 

They said the school prioritises concepts and ideas that pupils need to be successful in the future, for example, making sure that pupils can read well and know their times tables. 

The mantra for pupils at Woolmore Primary School is “read every day, it’s the Woolmore way” and inspectors commended pupils for speaking with enthusiasm about books they read.

Inspectors found that staff “use every opportunity” to introduce pupils to new experiences, encouraging them to learn more about the world beyond their local community.

Headteacher Tracy Argent was thrilled with the positive report.

She said: “This is a very proud moment for everyone who is and has been part of our Woolmore community over many years.

“To be recognised by Ofsted as ‘outstanding’ in all areas feels very special.

“We love that the first line of our report says ‘Togetherness is a word that sums up Woolmore’.”