Staff and pupils at Burley Gate Church of England Primary School are celebrating after hearing Ofsted continues to rate it as ‘Good’ following an inspection last month.
Ofsted inspectors visited the school – which is part of the Diocese of Hereford Multi-Academy Trust (DHMAT) – on Wednesday 1 May and in the resulting inspection report the school was praised for being welcoming to everyone, for setting high expectations for all pupils – including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) – and for creating an environment in which children enjoy life and feel safe.
Among the many positives highlighted by Ofsted, the school was complimented for taking ‘effective care of pupils’ physical and mental health’, for the relationships formed between staff and pupils and for its calm, purposeful feel.
Children were found to get off to a good start in the early years, to behave well in lessons – with disruptions rare – and to be well-mannered, treating each other with respect.
It was also noted that pupils learn to take responsibility, for example ‘packing away unprompted at the end of playtime’, and that they become articulate, confident young people, well prepared for the next stage of their education.
The school’s curriculum was praised as being ‘ambitious’ and ‘carefully planned’, with staff having ‘secure subject knowledge’, while the school’s commitment to ensuring pupils learn about other cultures and traditions was also mentioned in the report.
Pastoral care at the school was also singled out as being a real strength and it was noted that leaders ensure that all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, are able to take part in clubs and after school trips to places such as the theatre or Hereford Cathedral.
Speaking about the outcome of the Ofsted inspection, Mrs Michele Lewis, Executive Headteacher at Burley Gate, said:
“I am very proud of our ‘Good’ rating and am delighted the hard work done by everyone at the school was seen so clearly by the inspectors. We are always striving to improve, but to read so much glowing praise was no more than the staff here deserve.
“Furthermore, the compliments paid to our pupils were also really pleasing and we are very lucky to have such a caring school community here. I’d like to thank every single person who makes Burley Gate Primary the great school it is, and hope they get as much satisfaction from this report as I have.”
Canon Andrew Teale, Chief Executive Officer at DHMAT, said:
“We are delighted with this inspection report which recognises the high-quality primary education offer at Burley Gate CE Primary. The staff work incredibly hard to deliver a creative curriculum, from the vibrant and nurturing early years environment to the high academic expectations of the final year at primary school.
“Our experienced and highly capable school leaders, led by Executive Headteacher, Michele Lewis, are driving the positive development of this precious Church of England school.”
