OFSTED has published its first report on a school in the Fishponds area carried out under a new “significantly more demanding” inspection framework.
A team of four inspectors visited Glenfrome Primary School in Cottisford Road, Eastville, in December.
Their report, published in February, is one of the first to use a new “traffic light” grading system, to replace the previous one and two-word ratings.
Schools are now graded in seven rather than five areas, with marks ranging from ‘exceptional’ (blue) through ‘strong standard’ and ‘expected standard’ (green) to ‘needs attention’ (amber) and ‘urgent improvement’ (red).
The new system has already been criticised, with an independent review finding the increase in areas judged has led to concerns there are now “many more ways to fail”.
Leaders at a school which took part in a pilot inspection, Blackhorse Primary School in Emersons Green, say it is “significantly more demanding”.
Teachers also say the new scoring doesn’t match up with previous ratings: some performance that would previously have been judged to be ‘good’ can now receive a ‘needs attention’ grade, and some ‘outstanding’ scores now fall within the ‘expected standard’ category.
Ofsted has stressed that ‘needs attention’ is “not a fail” but “highlights where issues can be addressed before they become bigger problems”.
Pupils are ‘proud to attend’
Inspectors gave Glenfrome ‘expected standard’ gradings for pupils’ attendance and behaviour, personal development and well-being, early years provision, and inclusion.
They said pupil achievement, the curriculum and teaching, and leadership and governance needs attention.
The inspectors said: “Pupils are proud to attend Glenfrome Primary School.
“Across the school, pupils and staff feel a deep sense of belonging.
“Their achievement in national tests is improving as a result of the changes that leaders have made to the curriculum. However, there is variability in the way staff deliver the wider curriculum.
“Pupils have positive attitudes to learning and learn without disruption. They are keen to share their ideas and make a positive contribution during class discussions.
“Behaviour across the school, including during social times, is calm and respectful.”
‘Clear vision’ praised
The school’s “clear vision for providing high-quality education and care” for its youngest pupils was praised, along with its “effective” support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), disadvantaged pupils and those who face other barriers to learning.
Ofsted highlighted the use of alternative provision and resource base The Glen to support SEND children at the school, which has 425 pupils aged from four to 11.
It said performance in national tests was ‘close to average’, with 55% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths over the past three years, rising to 60% last year and compared with a three-year national average of 61%.
The inspectors highlighted performance in Year 6 reading and maths and Year 1 phonics tests and said: “The school has taken strides to support pupils to achieve well.”
But they said high-quality teaching, including effective assessment, needs to be “embedded across the wider curriculum”.
The report said: “Leaders’ vision and aspiration for what pupils learn across the curriculum is not fully realised.”
The school’s personal development curriculum was praised for helping to “prepare pupils well for life in modern Britain”.
Pastoral support, including regular ‘check-ins’ with pupils to help ensure they get the help they need, was highlighted.
The inspectors said parents and carers are “overwhelmingly supportive of the school”, praising its community feel and the positive start for Reception children.
The report said: “One parent, reflecting the views of many, said ‘I wouldn’t want to send my child to any other school.’
“Glenfrome Primary is a welcoming and inclusive school, where each child is respected, seen and heard.”
‘Positive feedback’ – head
Head teacher Inger O’Callaghan (pictured top) said: “We are incredibly proud of the positive feedback from Ofsted, which reflects the dedication of our staff, the sense of belonging felt by our children and the unwavering support of our wonderful families.
“We welcome the clear next steps which we had already identified, and will continue to work hard to ensure every child achieves their very best.
“Glenfrome Primary School remains committed to providing a nurturing, ambitious and inclusive education for all pupils, building on the strong foundations recognised in this report.”