Improved Ofsted rating for Wigton Nursery and Infant School

Wigton Nursery and Infant School earned an improved Ofsted rating in its first inspection since the pandemic.

The rating of ‘Good’ - an upgrade on the previous ‘Requires Improvement’ - came after the appointment of Joanne Lloyd as headteacher.

Ofsted inspectors, who visited in March, praised the school for “strong relationships between pupils and staff.”

The report noted: “Pupils are happy at Wigton Nursery and Infant School. They are friendly, confident and welcoming. Leaders’ values of ‘learning, laughter and love’ resonate throughout the school.”

Inspectors praised the school's priority given to reading (Image: Wigton School)

Inspectors also pointed to the school’s high expectations for learning and behaviour, recognising that all pupils, including those with special educational needs (SEND), worked hard and were rarely disruptive in lessons.

“The new headteacher has been quick to develop a curriculum that is ambitious for all pupils, including those with SEND,” the report stated.

A wide variety of experiences on school trips were also praised, as was the priority given to reading, with inspectors highlighting the opportunity given to parents to attend a family bedtime story session in school.

The school was rated ‘Good’ in all areas – including the quality of education, early years provision, personal development and leadership.

The rating of 'good' comes after the appointment of Joanne Lloyd as headteacher (Image: Wigton School)

Headteacher Mrs Lloyd said: “The report is testament to the hard work of the dedicated Wigton Nursery and Infant School team.

“We are incredibly pleased that inspectors recognised the significant improvements we have made and that our school ethos, of learning, laughter and love, shone through. 

“I would like to thank our entire school community for their support, not least our fantastic children for making Wigton Nursery and Infant School such a special place.”

Chris Scott, co-chair of governors, added: “On behalf the of the Governing board I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Lloyd for her inspirational leadership since becoming our headteacher and to every single member of the staff for their dedication and commitment they give.

“I’d also like to thank all our governors who give their free time to support the school, but most importantly of all to our pupils who make us all so very proud.”