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Loders CE Primary maintains Good status in latest Ofsted
Loders CE Primary Academy near Bridport, Dorset has successfully maintained its Good status in the latest Ofsted report, where staff are seen to ‘meet the needs of individual pupils in every decision they make’ and pupils are ‘happy and safe’, ‘keen to learn and achieve well’.
Claire Pooley, Head of School for Loders Primary said, ‘Our school values are love, hope, equality, respect, wisdom, thankfulness and perseverance and we are proud of our pupils who recognise and fulfil these values on a daily basis. We’re really pleased that Ofsted has recognised our ‘strong sense of community’ and our high expectations for behaviour and attendance.’
Ofsted praised pupils’ behaviour which is deemed as being ‘impressive in lessons and during social times’. Children are seen to have ‘high levels of respect and kindness towards one another’ are ‘polite and well mannered’ and 'accept each other’s differences’. They ‘show tolerance and empathy when their friends experience challenges’.
Since the last inspection in March 2019, staff have worked hard to strengthen the well-designed curriculum and made improvements to support those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) with adaptations made to the curriculum to ensure ‘equal opportunity for all pupils to develop a broad body of knowledge’.
There is a strong focus on early reading, writing and mathematics from Nursery age, resulting in strong achievements in these areas. Ofsted has praised the behaviour and personal development of early years, highlighting how well children 'learn how to socialise, work together and become independent’ from the moment they enter Nursery due to the positive relationships with staff.
Pupils have ‘rich developmental experiences’ with interesting residential trips and local visits which develops their ‘resilience and team skills’ and enhances their learning experiences. They are encouraged to develop their interests and talents with a good range of clubs including ‘cross country, computing, dance and outdoor adventure activities’.
Claire continues, ‘We’re proud of our pupils for their extensive charitable work and offer them opportunities to support homelessness and reduce pollution by collecting plastic. We also offer a good mix of leadership roles with school councillors, play leaders and Christian vision leaders, allowing them to ‘learn how to become thoughtful and caring citizens’.
The school is strong in supporting families and promoting positive mental health offering ‘effective support and guidance for those who need it’ with ‘Stormbreak and Zones of Regulation’ enabling children to manage their emotions.
Parents and carers are said to be ‘delighted with the school’ and ‘appreciate all that it does for them and their children’ while staff ‘are proud to work at the school’ which they call “our little family”. First Federation Trust, the governing body for the school, is seen to offer ‘strong support, guidance and challenge, which the school welcomes and embraces.’
Loders CE Primary School will be having open days for those children due to start school in September 2025 with the next available dates on Wednesday 8th January from 1-3pm, Monday and Tuesday 13th & 14th January from 10am - 12noon.
See below for the First Federation Trust Parent Newsletters.