29/09/2026
A Woodley primary school has been praised during its recent Ofsted report for creating a “happy, nurturing and inclusive school”.
The school, on Ambleside Close, was inspected on 23 June 2026.
Inspectors found safeguarding arrangements were effective and said pupils felt safe, behaved well and responded positively to the school’s values of “Explore, Discover and Achieve”.
The report said leaders had developed a broad and ambitious curriculum, with a particular focus on reading in the early years.
Children were found to make a strong start in Reception and were well prepared for moving into Key Stage 1. Inspectors said pupils generally made good progress, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
They noted that the school supports pupils who join at different points during the year, including children arriving from other countries, to address gaps in their learning. The report identified areas for further work.
Leaders were told to improve older pupils’ handwriting, spelling and sentence construction so they could write with greater fluency and accuracy.
Ofsted also said staff should identify and address pupils’ errors and misconceptions more consistently, to help close gaps in learning more quickly.
Attendance has improved and persistent absence is falling, according to the inspection. But inspectors said attendance remained variable for a small number of pupils, including some who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs.
The school has been asked to continue its work with families and external agencies to improve regular attendance.
The report highlighted calm behaviour across the school, saying incidents of bullying and discriminatory behaviour were rare.
Pupils were said to enjoy a range of clubs, including tennis, science, drama and choir, as well as visits to museums and the Living Rainforest.
Leaders and governors were described as committed and ambitious, while parents and carers were reported to be very positive about the school.
The report noted that the school had undergone “significant change” since its previous inspection.
New co-headteachers Rachel Minter and Sarah Reece were promoted to their posts in April 2026.
Beechwood had 295 pupils at the time of the inspection and is part of the LDBS Frays Academy Trust.
Ofsted said pupils were proud to attend the school and valued its “calm, caring environment”.
It said most pupils achieve well and are “typically well prepared for the next stage of their education”.
✍Original copy by Katie French, Local Democracy Reporter
