The headteacher of a Merseyside primary school has reacted to an underwhelming Ofsted report. The inspection found that many areas of the school 'need attention.'
Ofsted Report Card System
A report into the inspection of Kingsway Primary School on Ashville Road, Wallasey, has been published by the schools watchdog. Rather than giving a single label, such as 'outstanding' or 'requires improvement', Ofsted now grades schools using a new report card system which ranks schools on various qualities.
The system ranks various elements of schools' performance on the following system:
- Exceptional
- Strong standard
- Expected standard
- Needs attention
- Urgent improvement
Out of the seven areas the school has been graded in, Kingsway Primary School received two 'expected standard' grades and five 'needs attention' grades. 'Expected standards' were found to be met in both 'inclusion' and 'personal development and wellbeing.'
Inclusion and Personal Development
On inclusion, the Ofsted report states the school's 'leaders identify and reduce many of the barriers that disadvantaged pupils face successfully.' Adding: 'Leaders find out from parents and carers what might be adding to pupils’ difficulties. They use this information and advice from external agencies to tailor support for pupils.'
The report found the personal development and wellbeing of students to be a 'high priority' for the school. It is said the knowledge children develop 'prepares them well for later life when living in a modern and diverse Britain.'
Areas Needing Attention
The school was ranked 'needs attention' in achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, early years, and leadership and governance. Quite damningly, the report states: 'Pupils do not learn as well as they should,' and 'leaders do not make sure that teachers check consistently well what pupils already know before they introduce new learning.'
The report says pupils' overall attendance is lower than the national average. This, the report states: 'Impedes pupils' ability to learn well or to address gaps in their knowledge.'
Ofsted also evaluates whether schools meet safeguarding standards. The report found the school does meet all legal requirements.
Headteacher's Response
Responding to the inspection report, Helen Holbrook, Headteacher at Kingsway Primary School, said: 'As I have said to parents, we are very proud of the many positives highlighted throughout our Ofsted report as they recognise the dedication of our staff, the wonderful character of our children and the positive relationships that are such an important part of Kingsway.
'The inspectors warmly described the school as a 'calm and harmonious place' where 'pupils feel happy and safe'. They observed that our pupils typically behave well, focus effectively during lessons and look after one another.
'Furthermore, the report confirms that our safeguarding standards are fully and robustly met, ensuring an open culture where the children's safety and well-being remain everyone's top priority. We are also delighted that Ofsted recognised the 'expected standard' achieved in both personal development and wellbeing, and inclusion.
'While we celebrate these achievements and the undeniable progress made since our last inspection, we acknowledge that there are areas where we are still working hard to make further improvements. We will fully embrace the next steps identified by the inspection team and will use them to shape our future school development work. The recommendations align with our own evaluation of the school and the development plans we have already put in place. This includes our determination to further boost overall attendance figures, ensure gaps in knowledge are swiftly caught and addressed and ensure children gain secure foundations quickly.'
