Ofsted success for Manor Way Primary Academy

24th June 2024

Manor Way Primary Academy is celebrating its latest Ofsted report as inspectors found enough evidence to suggest the school could now be ‘Outstanding’.

The Section 8, ungraded inspection, took place as part of Ofsted’s commitment to visiting ‘Good’ and ‘Outstanding’ schools to ensure they continue meeting their students’ needs. Inspectors judged Manor Way Primary Academy to have built on the previous ‘good with outstanding features’ judgement and stated “that the inspection grade might be ‘Outstanding’ if a graded (Section 5) inspection were carried out now.”

During the inspection, which took place on 21st and 22nd May 2024, Ofsted praised the school for setting high expectations for what pupils can achieve academically and personally. The report also highlighted how pupils are supported to realise these high expectations and benefit from a rich set of experiences beyond the classroom.

Throughout the report, inspectors praised a wide range of areas where Manor Way Primary Academy provides the very best opportunities. Inspectors also emphasised that being part of the Windsor Academy Trust family was a supporting factor in the school’s ongoing success. 

The report stated:

• Pupils love attending Manor Way Primary Academy. The pupil junior leadership team shows pupils how to live the ‘Manor Way’ and children embody the values of respect, responsibility and resilience every day. 
• Pupils are conscientious and want to do their very best. They want to be in school and attend well. At social times pupils play well together and enjoy spending time with their friends. 
• Staff consistently and fairly apply the schools ‘ready to learn’ approach. This means that pupils are eager to make great choices.
• The school supports pupils to find their passion and find their purpose. A vast range of clubs are provided to meet pupils’ interests, and trips, visits and visitors are carefully weaved through the curriculum to deepen learning.
• The school’s curriculum is highly ambitious for all pupils. The knowledge pupils need for future success is skilfully planned and sequenced. This means pupils achieve well and are proud of the high-quality work they produce.
• Reading is exceptionally well taught, particularly phonics. Staff work closely with parents so that they know how to support their child when reading at home. 
• Furthermore, the school promotes a love of reading. Pupils read and are read to regularly in school. As a result, pupils read with the confidence and accuracy expected for their age, with many exceeding these expectations.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are included in all aspects of school life and achieve well. 
• Staff value the highly effective support from leaders to manage their workload and well-being. 

The school’s leadership team, supported by Windsor Academy Trust, is looking forward to building on the strong foundations laid out in the report as they continue to ensure that they unlock all pupils’ academic and personal potential.

Lisa Buffery, Executive Headteacher at Manor Way Primary Academy, said: “Our pupils are at the heart of everything we do. We are driven and committed to ensure that we deliver the very best education for all, unlocking both academic and personal potential. I am incredibly proud that Ofsted acknowledged we are well on our way to being an Outstanding school.’

 

“Our committed, inspiring and talented staff team consistently go above and beyond to support and encourage our children to excel in all areas of school life. Their hard work and dedication ensures that we make a difference and that our children love coming to school. We are excited to work together to continue on our journey to achieve ‘Outstanding’ at the next graded inspection, expected in 12 to 24 months.”

Dr Dan Owen, Director of Education at Windsor Academy Trust, said: “I am proud that Manor Way Primary Academy continues to set such high standards. The Windsor Academy Trust family ethos of high aspiration and excellence is fully embedded in every aspect of school life and children receive a first class education. As such, Manor Way has rightly received high praise from Ofsted.”

Dawn Haywood, CEO at Windsor Academy Trust, said: “This report recognises the school’s  incredible commitment to excellence and reflects the collective strength of our family of schools who work collaboratively to unlock the academic and personal potential of all our young people. I could not be more proud of our leaders, staff and children at the school.”

Read the Ofsted report here.