A PRIMARY school in Warmley has been judged by Ofsted to be improving after a significant period of turbulence”.
Inspectors who visited St Barnabas Church of England Primary in April found that instability in staffing had had a negative impact on children’s achievement and behaviour but that “leaders have taken firm and decisive action to address weaknesses in teaching and tackle disruptive behaviour. There are signs of improvement.”
The Ofsted team rated the school, which is part of The Leaf Trust, as reaching the expected standard for early years, inclusion and personal development and wellbeing and gave a “needs attention” grade for achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching and leadership and governance.
The inspectors’ report said: “Leaders recognise the need to rebuild the trust and confidence of some parents. They are open and transparent, providing opportunities for parents to feed back and contribute to the ongoing improvement of the school.”
Ofsted praised the provision for the youngest children, including the new nursery class for two-year-olds. The curriculum was said to be ambitious and the support for children with special needs good.
Inclusion was also highlighted. “Staff work tenaciously to accurately identify pupils’ needs and remove any barriers to learning that they may face,” the report said.
Pastoral care was described as a strength of the school. “Pupils are well cared for. Pupils who need additional support receive this,” the report said.
Ofsted also noted the successful promotion of a love of reading.
The inspectors set out five areas for improvement: pupils’ writing, work for pupils that enables deeper thinking, better use of assessment by teachers, consistent high expectations of children’s behaviour and effective implementation of all aspects of the personal development curriculum .
In response to the report, the school said in a statement: “St Barnabas CofE Primary and Nursery School is delighted that Ofsted recognised many of the school’s key strengths during its recent inspection.
“Inspectors confirmed that safeguarding is effective and highlighted the school’s caring and inclusive culture, strong Christian values, positive relationships and commitment to ensuring pupils feel safe and supported. Strengths were also recognised in Early Years, reading and the wide range of enrichment opportunities available to pupils.
“The report acknowledges the work leaders have undertaken to drive improvement and the positive impact this is already having. While pleased that these strengths have been recognised, the school remains focused on further strengthening behaviour, attendance, assessment and the consistency of teaching and learning, ensuring every child can thrive and achieve their full potential.”
Ross Newman, chief executive of The Leaf Trust, said in a letter to parents: “I appreciate that some families may have concerns about the areas judged as ‘Needs Attention’. Within the new Ofsted framework, this judgement indicates that while standards are not yet fully where they need to be, leaders are in a position to make the necessary improvements. It is a clear signal that focused work is required, and we are treating this with the seriousness it deserves.
“As a Trust, we are fully committed to supporting St Barnabas in the next stage of its journey. St Barnabas is a school with many strengths: caring staff, wonderful children and a community that wants the very best for its young people.”