Ofsted has published new inspection reports for more than a dozen schools across Greater Manchester in October, with two told they require 'urgent improvement' in key areas.
St Thomas' Church of England Primary School on Marriott Street in Stockport was criticised for leaving pupils 'ill-equipped' for the next stage of their education, with a 'patchy' knowledge of most subjects. The school was contacted for comment.
Meanwhile, Ravensfield Primary in Tameside, which was put into special measures earlier this year after staff reported violence towards teachers had reached 'untenable levels', has made minor improvements but still has a long way to go. A spokesperson for CLIC Trust, which runs the school, said management 'recognised the seriousness of Ofsted's findings' and were committed to 'delivering rapid improvements'.
New report card system
Ofsted's 'new look' report cards have moved away from one-word summaries like 'good', 'outstanding', or 'requires improvement'. Instead, inspectors give a descriptive assessment aimed at guardians that 'gives a clearer picture of what's working well and where the next steps for improvement are'. The report cards show colour-coded grades for different areas like 'attendance and behaviour', 'achievement', 'personal development and well-being', and 'inclusion'.
These areas are rated on a new scale of 'exceptional', 'strong standard', 'expected standard', 'needs attention' and 'urgent improvement'. Ofsted also states whether safeguarding responsibilities are 'met' or 'not met'.
Below is a summary of every Ofsted inspection published for Greater Manchester primary and secondary schools for the period May 18 to June 4. The inspectors' comments are summarised from the 'what it's like to be a pupil at this school' section of each report. The reports are by Greater Manchester borough in alphabetical order.
Bolton
Harper Green School in Bolton was warmly praised for its 'sense of community' and ability to 'remove practical and financial barriers' to learning and extracurricular experiences. The school on Harper Green Road in Farnworth achieved 'expected standard' in all areas of its Ofsted inspection, with pupils 'achieving well' and 'behaving sensibly'.
Lead inspector Ahmed Marikar found: “Pupils are proud of the diversity of the school community. They speak enthusiastically about their experiences, particularly the positive relationships they have developed with staff and their peers.”
The school caters for 1,070 pupils, with almost half of them in receipt of free school meals. Staff were praised for 'removing practical and financial barriers' stopping pupils participating in activities such as theatre visits, Duke of Edinburgh, and clubs such as board games, fishing, and dance. Year 10 pupils are also supported to 'develop employability skills', Marikar noted, with pupils leaving the secondary school 'increasingly well prepared for education, employment or training'.
In its first inspection since converting to an academy, St Ethelbert's Roman Catholic Primary School was rated 'expected' in most areas and 'strong' in personal development. The primary on Melbourne Road, Deane, was described as 'welcome and calm'.
Lead inspector Kate Bowker praised staff's support of kids joining the school halfway through the year, those who speak English as an additional language, and those with special educational needs, saying the 'support helps the pupils settle quickly'.
“The school has the highest ambition for every pupil regardless of their background or circumstance,” said Bowker. “Pupils broaden their horizons through the rich and varied set of experiences on offer. Pupils enjoy linking their learning to practical experiences. Whether it is using their learning in history to participate in a Second World War 'blitz live action' workshop, visiting an eco-station to learn about sustainability or visiting a local mosque, pupils value how these educational visits bring their learning to life.”
She noted the 207 youngsters at the school also 'play happily together' and 'relish the use of the slide and sand pit with friends'.
Inspectors penned a glowing report for Devonshire Road Primary School, where pupils were described as 'impressively polite, respectful and considerate'. Pupils at Devonshire Road 'thoroughly enjoy their time at school' and 'staff know pupils incredibly well', Ofsted inspector Andrew Scholz found.
The primary was praised for its good outcomes and 'rich and varied' range of extracurricular activities and opportunities. There are around 415 kids at the school, and many of them start school 'speaking little English' but quickly are brought up to speed by their teachers.
Scholz wrote: “Pupils respond enthusiastically to the high expectations that staff set for them and take pride in their achievements. In the early years, staff establish strong foundations for future learning through a carefully planned curriculum that develops communication, language and curiosity.
“Many children start school speaking little English. Staff help them develop a rich vocabulary and become confident communicators. By the time pupils leave the school, they are well prepared for the next stage of their education. Many pupils speak enthusiastically about careers in medicine, engineering, teaching, science and the creative arts and understand clearly how education can help them achieve their ambitions.”
Bury and Manchester
No new Ofsted reports on schools were published in the first half of October in Bury. But Mill School, an independent on Wellington Street, has been given permission to increase its number of pupils.
A Manchester school where two-thirds of students are on free school meals has been deemed 'strong' across all areas inspected by government watchdog Ofsted. Whalley Range 11-18 High School was praised by inspectors for its 'highly ambitious curriculum', the 'exemplary behaviour of students', and high achievements.
Pupils outperform their peers at other schools in national examinations, including those students who face additional barriers to learning, with many sixth formers securing places on competitive university courses.
“Pupils and students are very well prepared for their next steps in education, employment or training,” lead inspector Lisa Corrigan wrote. “There is a warm and welcoming climate of mutual respect and support, underpinned by the trust and school's values of excellence, care and respect. Pupils know how to report any unkind behaviour or personal worries, and they feel confident that staff will be supportive and effective in dealing with any concerns quickly.”
Staff at the school, which educates 1,650 kids, were also praised for working closely with families.
Kids at Loreto High School Chorlton are 'overtly proud' to be a part of the school, an Ofsted inspector found. The school on Nell Lane achieved the expected standard in most areas examined by the government watchdog, and was praised for its 'strong' standard in inclusion.
Lead inspector Helen Fowler wrote: “Pupils are overtly proud to be part of this vibrant and lively community. They embody the school's values of sincerity, truth, joy, justice, freedom, excellence and internationality.”
'Everyone is included' in the school, which looks after 742 children, with staff receiving special training to proactively help the most vulnerable or disadvantaged pupils, according to Fowler.
Oldham and Rochdale
No primary or secondary schools have received new Ofsted reports in October so far in Oldham.
Greenbank Primary School achieved the expected standard set by Ofsted in most areas except for attendance, which 'needs attention', according to the government watchdog. The inspector found 'an ethos of kindness permeates the school' and kids 'champion each other's successes'.
The report found: "Pupils benefit from an ambitious curriculum that is typically taught well. Over their time in school, they develop the knowledge and skills that they need to be ready for secondary education. Pupils are attentive in lessons and eager to learn. Even so, too many pupils do not attend school as regularly as they should. This prevents them from benefiting fully from all that the school has to offer."
Salford and Stockport
Beech Street Community Primary School was praised for its 'strong' inclusion of kids with SEND in its most recent Ofsted inspection. The school on Beech Street, Winton, which teaches 241 youngsters, achieved the expected standard in all other areas including personal development and achievement.
Ofsted inspector Ruth Baldwin said: “Inclusion sits at the heart of the school's work. As a result, pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those who face challenge in their lives are valued and thrive.
“From the early years upwards, pupils develop a genuine sense of belonging and feel safe.
“Pupils show care towards each other and play well together at social times. Playtime is energetic and joyful. Pupils take part in team games, look after the school guinea pigs and are creative in the mud kitchen. Older pupils spontaneously teach younger pupils dance routines while others choose quiet spaces to read and colour. Everyone is included.”
Pupils are not achieving as well as they should or attending school as regularly as they should at Summerville Primary School, an Ofsted inspection has found. The Salford school was broadly praised for its 'family community' feeling and 'confident and resilient' kids. But Ofsted inspector Jo Costello found that 'older pupils do not achieve as highly as they should'.
In a report published this month, Costello said: “Inconsistencies in the quality of teaching mean that pupils make uneven progress through the curriculum over time. In addition, some pupils do not attend school as regularly as they should. This disrupts their learning and means that they are not as well prepared for the next stage of their education as they could be.”
The school looks after 197 pupils and many of them are well behaved. Children in early years are making 'a suitable start to their education and readily explore the carefully designed learning environment', the inspector found. But as they progress through the years, some improvement is needed.
A school in Stockport has been placed into special measures after a government watchdog found 'it is failing to provide an acceptable standard of education'. St Thomas' Church of England Primary School on Marriott Street was slammed for leaving kids 'ill-equipped' for the next stage of their education, with a 'patchy' knowledge of most subjects. Too many kids are also persistently absent from the school, according to the report.
Lead inspector David Spruce found: “Pupils do not receive an acceptable standard of education. They have been hindered by a range of factors that ultimately stem from ineffective leadership and governance. For example, leaders have not sufficiently addressed weaknesses in curriculum design and teaching practices. Similarly, they have not tackled deep-rooted attendance issues, meaning that many pupils miss out on important learning. These issues have been highlighted in previous inspections, yet they largely persist. Pupils generally fare no better in their learning as a result.”
However, the watchdog praised the school's early year provisions, stating that youngsters 'get off to a good start' and 'enjoy warm, positive relationships with their teachers'. The headteacher has been contacted for comment.
Great Moor Junior School received a commendatory report that praised its 'impressive offer that prepares pupils exceedingly well for life beyond school'. The school on Southwood Road, which is attended by 311 kids, received 'strong' standards in both behaviour and personal development, with everything else at an expected standard.
Inspector Rebecca Jewitt said: “Leaders tailor the school's personal, social, health and economic education curriculum to meet the needs of pupils and in response to local and national issues. This helps pupils to develop a keen understanding of the wider world.”
She added pupils were 'eager to learn' and 'tried hard' in class. “Pupils are keen to earn stars and 'happy side' awards for their behaviour and work. They are attentive and demonstrate extremely positive attitudes to their learning.” They also took on a 'wide range of special roles' such as learning ambassadors, which further helped prepare them for responsibilities in later stages of their lives.
Meadowbank Primary School achieved the expected standard in all areas. Kids at the school on Councillor Lane in Cheadle were described as 'diligent, polite, and harmonious' by an Ofsted inspector, and teachers were praised for preparing them for their future well.
“Children settle well in the early years,” said lead inspector Claire Cropper in her report. “They develop independence and confidence that stands them in good stead for their learning as they progress through the school. Pupils develop resilience. By the time they reach the end of Year 6, they are well prepared for the new challenges that they will face in their secondary phase of education.” She added that pupils were given the opportunity to 'explore topics and questions that make them think about issues such as equality and fairness'. The trips, visitors and other activities that leaders provide enrich and deepen their understanding of the wider world, according to the report.
Tameside and Trafford
Dixons Silver Springs Primary has been praised by a government watchdog for making pupils who have 'struggled at other schools' feel welcome. They achieved the expected standard in most areas, but were told they needed to work on achievement and teaching.
Lead inspector Tim Vaughan said: “Pupils speak very highly of their school because they are happy, make lots of friends and enjoy their lessons. They benefit from the wide range of extra experiences that the school provides. For example, some pupils act in the roles of 'breakfast baristas' to support pupils' access to food and drink. Other pupils help with organising games at breaktimes and lunchtime. These activities and many more develop pupils' sense of responsibility well.
“Pupils who may have struggled at other schools, or face other challenges in their lives, find that this is a school that welcomes them. Pupils' needs are prioritised by leaders, including by leaders from the trust. Typically, pupils have an equal chance to become their best. Their development and success are celebrated by leaders and staff.
“Pupils' attainment in reading, writing and mathematics is improving year on year, as is their attendance at the school. Nevertheless, pupils' attainment in reading is below the national average.”
Poplar Street Primary School was found to be meeting expected standards in all areas by a government watchdog. The school on Ravenwood Drive has seen improvements to its teaching and curriculum since its last inspection, lead inspector David Robinson wrote in his report.
He said: “Pupils have benefited from the changes to the curriculum that leaders have put in place since the last inspection. These changes help pupils to build up and connect their learning. Children in the early years make a confident start to their journey of education. They build up the important knowledge and skills they need in reading, writing and mathematics.”
A school in Tameside that was put into special measures earlier this year after several months of turbulence has made minor improvements - but still has a long way to go, a government watchdog has found. Ravensfield Primary School on Clarendon Street in Dukinfield saw staff strikes earlier this year after pupil-on-teacher and pupil-on-pupil violence reached 'untenable levels', according to teacher's union NASUWT.
A recent monitoring report by Ofsted found that school leaders have 'started to put actions in place to improve the many significant areas of concern in the school'. It noted 'relationships with many staff are fractured, however, leaders are working closely with staff to set out clear expectations and repair relationships'. The report found that behaviour has improved slightly, but many pupils are still being distracted by those who aren't enjoying learning. 'There is still a way to go,' the inspector commented.
“While most pupils do not cause serious disruption, they have poor attitudes to learning. Previously low expectations are starting to rise. That said, there remains inconsistency across the school about what pupils can achieve and how they should behave. This makes it difficult for pupils to succeed,” the report said. It also found barriers to learning are not identified swiftly and gaps in learning often go unnoticed.
A spokesperson for CLIC Trust, who run the school, said management 'recognised the seriousness of Ofsted's findings' and were committed to 'delivering rapid improvements'. “We are working closely with the DfE and wider education partners, and are confident that the plans already in place will deliver the long-term improvements needed. We are pleased to say the DfE has subsequently confirmed they recognise that we have the capacity to deliver rapid and sustainable improvement, improvement activity is being delivered at pace, we have taken decisive action to strengthen leadership and governance at the school, and there is already positive impact on staff morale and engagement, attendance, behaviour and culture.”
Holy Family Catholic Primary School was rated 'strong' in all areas. It was described as an 'inclusive and nurturing' school.
Inspector John Coxhead said: “Positive relationships are the bedrock of school life. As a result, pupils behave extremely well. They listen carefully in lessons and follow school routines. Break times are calm because pupils show respect for one another and manage their emotions well. Bullying and poor behaviour are rare.
“Pupils are enthusiastic about learning and appreciate the variety of ways in which staff make lessons interesting. Those who face any barriers to learning are well supported.”
Pupils at Broadoak School benefit from an unusual range of subjects, though they don't achieve as highly as they could, an Ofsted report has found.
Inspector Jane Dennis said: “Pupils enjoy the range of subjects offered in the school curriculum. They speak highly of the opportunities to learn about construction and beauty alongside more traditional subjects. Pupils appreciate the sporting opportunities the school offers, and many take part in clubs and activities, including school performances.
“Pupils do not achieve as highly as they could. Leaders recognise this and have taken action to improve the quality of teaching, but they know there is still more to do. In many lessons, pupils enjoy the variety of tasks that staff design for them.”
Wigan
Beech Hill Community Primary received a glowing report from government watchdog Ofsted for its 'nurturing and happy' environment and 'deep commitment' to supporting pupils. The school on Netherby Road was said to have a 'strong' standard in behaviour and pupil wellbeing and expected standards in everything else.
Ofsted inspector John Coxhead noted that school leaders have developed a 'comprehensive personal development programme that enriches pupils' experiences both within and beyond their academic studies', including well-planned relationships and health education programmes.
“This prepares pupils very well for life beyond school,” the report said. Staff are also quick at identifying pastoral needs and have built trusting relationships with pupils and their families, according to Coxhead.
He wrote: “Pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, attend school regularly and embrace the wide range of opportunities that leaders provide. They experience live music, enter competitions, attend extra-curricular clubs and go on visits that broaden their learning.
“Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, enjoy learning and approach lessons with enthusiasm. They listen carefully to their teachers and share answers confidently.”
