OFSTED Report

 


 

The school was inspected by OFSTED on the 16th and 17th September 2010. At the last Ofsted inspection, three years ago, the school was deemed satisfactory, and is now good with many outstanding features. These outstanding elements of school life include;

  • the outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils
  • pupil’s achievement and the extend to which they enjoy their learning
  • pupil’s attainment
  • pupil’s behaviour
  • the extent to which pupils contribute to the school and wider community
  • the extent of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development
  • the extent to which the curriculum meets pupils’ needs, including, where relevant, through partnerships
  • the effectiveness of partnerships in promoting learning and well-being
  • the effectiveness with which the school promotes equality of opportunity and tackles discrimination
  • the effectiveness with which the school deploys resources to achieve value for money

The governors of Colston’s Primary School would like to congratulate the pupils, Mr.  Gavaghan, the teachers and support staff – we believe that we have an OFSTED report that truly reflects our wonderful school.

The report has highlighted one or two areas for improvement and the governors will be working with the school over the next few weeks to put together an action plan do this and to build on this success. 

You can download the report by right clicking on the link below and selecting 'Save Target As...'. It is in .pdf format

 

OFSTED REPORT

 

The Main Findings

This is a good school where the overall outcomes for pupils are outstanding. Pupils’ individuality and uniqueness are celebrated and they are given an outstandingly effective spiritual, moral, social and cultural education. This means that the community is harmonious and cohesive and its diversity is seen as a cause for celebration. Staff know pupils very well and are highly committed to promoting equal opportunities in an outstanding way. Pupils are exceptionally well-behaved, have excellent manners and show consideration to others. Pupils are encouraged to develop high levels of self-esteem, as evident in the impressive ‘achievement’ celebrations.

Pupils are generally confident and develop good speaking skills. This enables them to put forward their ideas, to help negotiate when any minor squabbles arise and to make an exceptionally positive contribution to the whole school community. Serving on the school council is seen as a privilege. The outstandingly rich and vibrant curriculum helps pupils to attain some of the highest standards in the country while also developing their performing arts skills to a good standard.

Pupils’ academic attainment is high. A large proportion of Year 6 pupils regularly gain the higher levels in their reading, mathematics and science. They are slightly less successful in writing, although they are still above the national average at both the basic and advanced levels. Improving writing is rightly a focus of current school development plans.

Teaching and learning are good overall, but teaching ranges from outstanding to satisfactory and there is still room for greater consistency. It is especially good in mathematics, demonstrating the substantial improvements the school has made since the last inspection, as well as its good capacity for future development.

Leadership roles are more frequently delegated with, for example, the mathematics coordinator taking a strong lead in the development of that subject. Leaders’ self evaluation of the work of the school is generally good, but, occasionally, the school’s data is not used to full advantage by a wider group of managers to help target and rectify any inconsistencies in pupils’ progress. The governing body gives the school good support. Governors also know when and where to challenge school leaders’ thinking and to help evaluate the alternative merits of any proposed changes. The governing body has clear plans for future school staffing. The school values and builds effectively on its strong bond with parents. There are also exceptionally strong links with outside agencies and the local secondary schools. As a result all pupils, including the potentially vulnerable, are well cared for, guided and supported.