Ofsted and Performance Data

OFSTED Report February 2014

Overall effectiveness of the school

Grade: 1

As you are aware, the school was inspected during our first week back after the February half term. We had four inspectors on site who conducted observations of lessons, looked closely at work in children’s books, analysed school documentation, including governor minutes, performance management information and pupil progress data, and met with pupils, school leaders and governors.

 

The school was inspected under the OFSTED Framework that was introduced in September 2012. It was more rigorous than the previous one. In fact, 30% of schools inspected under this new framework received a judgement which was lower than their previous inspection outcome. The Framework has changed again for September 2019, placing a greater focus on the curriculum and recognising that teaching to the test narrows children’s breadth of learning.

I am, however, delighted to say that this school has been awarded an Outstanding in every area in this most recent inspection. Here are some quotes from the report.

 

• Achievement was graded Outstanding because, ‘most pupils make rapid and sustained progress as they move through the school in reading, writing and mathematics’.
• Teaching was graded as Outstanding because, ‘the senior leaders and teachers have high expectations of all pupils whatever their age or background’.
• Behaviour was graded as Outstanding because, ‘Their excellent attitudes to learning have a significant impact on the high standards achieved across the school.’
• Leadership and Management was graded as Outstanding because, ‘Leaders at all levels have clearly defined roles and responsibilities and carry out their duties rigorously.’

 

We are, of course, delighted with the outcome of this inspection. However, we do not intend to ‘rest on our laurels’. There is still much work to be done.

 

In the meantime, though, I would like to extend my thanks to everyone who is involved with the school, including yourselves. Your approach to parenting is a significant factor in preparing the children for learning by ensuring that they know that they need to be in school regularly, arrive punctually, dress smartly and listen intently. Thank you.

 

The official report is available below.

 

In summary, your children now officially attend one of the top 4% of all schools in the country recognised by OFSTED as Outstanding! Fantastic!

 

Graeme Burgess

Balsall Common Primary 2019 KS2 Results