Safeguarding and security remain a key priority at Primary School, and we thank parents and carers for their continued support in helping us maintain a safe environment for all children.

Please note the following reminders and updates:

• If your child arrives late to school, they must now be signed in by a parent or carer using the iPad system at reception.
• If you need to collect your child early, you must also sign them out using the iPad at reception before leaving the site.
• All visitors must continue to report to reception on arrival and follow school security procedures.
• During the school day, please ensure gates close securely behind you and do not allow others to “tailgate” or follow through the main school gate without checking in at reception.
• We ask all adults on site to model respectful and appropriate conduct when speaking with staff, pupils, and other parents.
• Mobile phone use should be avoided whilst on the school site and around the school gates where possible.
• Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere on the school site or near the school gates, helping us provide a healthy and safe environment for all children.
• Dogs are not permitted on the school site or near the school entrances, unless they are registered assistance dogs.
• At school events and performances, parents and carers are reminded not to post photographs or videos containing other children on social media or public platforms.
• Please continue to park responsibly and considerately during drop-off and collection times to help keep our community safe.

During school holidays and weekends, if you witness anything suspicious, unsafe, or concerning on or around the school site, please report it to the police via 101, or 999 in an emergency.

Safeguarding includes child protection, online safety, attendance, mental health and wellbeing, and ensuring children feel safe, supported, and respected at school. If you ever have any concerns regarding the safety or wellbeing of a child, please contact the school office or speak to a member of the safeguarding team.

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am pleased to share the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection at Gatehouse Primary Academy, which took place in February 2026 under Ofsted’s new inspection framework.

I am proud that the report recognises many strengths of our school, particularly in personal development, inclusion and pupil wellbeing, while also clearly identifying areas that we will continue to develop.

Inspectors judged our personal development and wellbeing provision as meeting a strong standard. They recognised the high‑quality programme in place from the early years, noting that pupils feel safe, included and valued. Strong relationships, effective pastoral support and clear expectations were highlighted as helping pupils develop confidence, self‑worth and positive attitudes to learning.

The report also recognises Gatehouse as an inclusive school. Inspectors noted that staff understand pupils’ individual needs well and act swiftly to remove barriers to learning, particularly for vulnerable and disadvantaged pupils. Attendance and behaviour were judged to meet the expected standard, with pupils described as respectful, well supported and confident that staff help them resolve any concerns.

Inspectors also praised the rich range of opportunities available beyond the classroom, including performances, sporting festivals, residential trips, enrichment days and leadership roles. These experiences were recognised as having a positive impact on pupils’ confidence, aspirations and wider development.

The inspection took place during a period of significant change, both nationally with the introduction of Ofsted’s new framework and within the school itself following leadership changes. Under the new framework, schools are no longer given a single one‑word overall judgement, and there is no direct comparison to previous inspections. Instead, each area is evaluated separately against nationally agreed standards as a secure fit and not best fit.

In line with this, the report identifies areas where further improvement is needed. Inspectors highlighted the importance of continuing to strengthen pupils’ foundational skills, particularly in writing (handwriting, spelling and punctuation) and number facts. While recent actions are beginning to have a positive impact, these improvements now need time to embed consistently. The report also identifies the need to continue developing how teaching is adapted to pupils’ starting points so that all pupils are well supported and appropriately challenged.

Importantly, inspectors recognised that leaders have an honest and accurate understanding of the school, have already taken purposeful action, and are fully committed to continuing improvement. There is a strong foundation in place on which to build. A key aspect of the new framework is the validation of a school’s self‑assessment.

I would like to thank our pupils, staff and families for their continued support. The report reflects Gatehouse as a school where children feel safe, cared for and included, and we remain fully focused on securing the best possible outcomes for every child.

Yours sincerely,
Jason Stephens
Head of School
Gatehouse Primary Academy

This Easter there will be no HAF programme at Gatehouse, we have reached out to Natasha from Happy Holidays who will be opening up some extra places for our Gatehouse families.

When trying to book, please add your booking to their waiting list and they will get back to you.

https://eequ.org/book/happy-holidays-westcliff-primary-with-natasha-cleave-14509

https://animals2usouthwest.co.uk/

We are super excited for this unique experience to come to Gatehouse on Monday to visit Early Years Foundation and Years 1 and 2. Huge thank you to the PTA for their donation for this event.

If your child has any allergies please let us know.