Ofsted inspectors have described Alderley Edge Primary School as "a happy, welcoming and inclusive learning community".
Following their visit in December, inspectors rated behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision all as outstanding, whilst the quality of education and leadership and management were both considered good.
Until November 2020, the school was exempt from routine inspection because it was judged as outstanding for overall effectiveness at its previous inspection in March 2014.
Inspectors said "Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), support each other and feel comfortable being themselves. They value their respectful and caring relationships with staff. The school brings out the best in pupils and enables them to thrive."
They continued "From the start of the Reception Year, staff have exceptionally high expectations for pupils' learning and their wider development. Pupils typically relish the opportunity to live up to these expectations. They work hard consistently and fully immerse themselves in the wider life of the school.
"The school nurtures pupils' talents through a diverse enrichment programme involving a vast array of sporting, creative and technical activities. Pupils benefit from a rich and varied set of experiences that broaden their horizons, such as residential trips and fundraising events. During their time at the school, pupils develop into responsible, mature and well-rounded citizens."
The report listed many things that the school does well, including:
- From the moment they join the Reception class, pupils learn an ambitious and thoughtfully sequenced curriculum. Leaders are precise in their curriculum thinking.
- Children in the early years make exceptional progress in their learning during their time in the Reception class. Pupils attain highly in national tests at the end of Year 6.
- Reading is the lifeblood of the school. The teaching of early reading is a real strength. Staff are experts in early reading.
- Pupils behave exceptionally well. From the start of the early years, they follow clear routines. This ensures that no time is wasted. Pupils concentrate well and become absorbed in their work.
- Pupils rarely miss school. Staff go to great lengths to help families and pupils, including those with SEND, to avoid absence except when it is necessary.
- Leaders have meticulously designed a vibrant and sequential programme to promote pupils' personal development. Pupils have a deep understanding of healthy relationships, including concepts such as consent.
- Leaders are relentless in their pursuit of the school's mission to create an inclusive community that inspires a lifelong love of learning.
- Staff work in partnership with parents, carers and the wider community. The way that staff in the early years induct families into the school community is exemplary.
The report identified just one area where the school needed to do better:
- Occasionally, the school does not check how well pupils learn new content as effectively as it could. As a result, the school is sometimes unclear on what pupils know and whether they have gaps in their learning.
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This is is a wonderful school