Ofsted
Dear Parents / Carers,
OFSTED Inspection – 8-9 November 2022
I’m delighted to let you know that the report from our latest OFSTED inspection is now available.
The inspection was a positive process and the inspectors recognised the tremendous hard work that everyone has put in over the past few years; ‘the school has improved significantly in recent years. At this stage in our journey, OFSTED has judged the school as ‘good’ which is an incredible accomplishment, especially with the disruption to learning through COVID. We have come a long way since the last inspection which was rated ‘inadequate’. OFSTED recognised that, ‘pupils at Priorswood Primary are proud to be members of their school. They enjoy coming to school, feel safe and attend well’ and that, ‘the school is a calm and purposeful place to learn.’
The report goes on to say, ‘leaders provide a range of opportunities for pupils to enrich their learning and extend their interests and talents.’
We’re also really pleased that Priorswood has been recognised positively for our SEND provision, although this is an area for improvements due to the significant change in leadership. OFSTED reported that, ‘leaders have designed an ambitious curriculum for all pupils including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils.’ It was recognised that, ‘staff know pupils well. They have a secure understanding of the needs of pupils with SEND. Accurate identification ensures that these pupils are able to access the same curriculum as their peers.’ We now need to ensure that there is a, ‘clear and coherent overview of the provision that all pupils with SEND receive and the impact it has.’
We’re pleased that OFSTED have acknowledged that our focus on oracy is having a positive impact on the children’s language development stating, ‘adults skilfully develop children’s language and extend their learning. Staff build curiosity and encourage children to think critically and problem solve. Leaders’ focus on language and vocabulary development continues from early years into key stages 1 and 2.’
Our focus over the past few years has been on ensuring that the quality of teaching and learning in reading, writing and maths are strong and consistent across school. Our wider curriculum is strengthening year on year and we now need to, ‘ensure that the specific knowledge they want pupils to learn is identified so that pupils know and remember more over time.’
Thank you to every member of staff at school and at the trust, who has helped to bring the school to where it is now, and to all of our parents and carers for your wonderful support. Priorswood will continue to build on its successes and we’re excited for where we’re going next.
Please see the full Ofsted report below.