'Strong standard' grade clean sweep for Kettering primary school where 'every child is encouraged to achieve their very best'
Ofsted inspectors have awarded 'strong standard' grades in all areas to Kettering’s Brambleside Primary School following the education watchdog’s latest visit.
The grade is the second highest finding under the system that looks at seven categories for the new inspection criteria.
Brambleside Primary achieved ‘strong standard’ in Safeguarding, Achievement, Curriculum and teaching, Leadership and governance, Personal development and wellbeing, Inclusion, Attendance and Behaviour, and Early Years.
Headteacher, Mr Drew Brown expressed the school community’s delight at the inspection team’s findings.
He said: “We are absolutely delighted that Brambleside Primary School has been recognised as a school providing a ‘strong standard’ across every area inspected.
"The report reflects what we strive to achieve every day – a school where children feel a genuine sense of belonging, are valued, respected and cared for, and where every child is encouraged to achieve their very best.
“It is particularly rewarding to see inspectors recognise the high expectations our staff have for every pupil, the positive relationships that exist throughout the school and our unwavering commitment to inclusion. They noted that our curriculum is ambitious, our classrooms are calm and purposeful, and that pupils are confident, resilient and proud of their school.
"These comments are a testament to the dedication and passion of our staff, the enthusiasm of our pupils and the continued support of our parents, governors and the wider community.”
The report said the experience at Brambleside Primary School gave pupils a ‘strong sense of belonging’ with attendance significantly above national averages.
Pupils’ behaviour across the school, in lessons and during playtimes was ‘extremely positive’, ‘well resourced, vibrant and engaging’. Classrooms were ‘calm, orderly and purposeful’.
It stated: “Pupils are valued, respected and cared for by staff. Pupils, including those with special educational needs, those known to social care and those who are disadvantaged, thrive in a culture that supports them to achieve well.
“Staff build warm and positive relationships with pupils. Pupils show respect and care for one another. They say that they are proud of their school and that teachers ‘go above and beyond’ to help them. As a result, pupils attend well.
“Pupils understand the high expectations of behaviour and rise to them. They appreciate that some pupils might need extra help with their behaviour and emotions. They respect and support this. Pupils say that bullying does not really happen but that staff would act swiftly to provide the right support if it did. “Consequently, pupils feel safe in school.”
The school was praised for the way pupils ‘participate enthusiastically’ with an ‘engaging’ curriculum as well as school plays and sports events.
Ofsted added: “Teachers make sure that pupils understand what they are learning. They build on what pupils have learned before. Pupils want to do well. They take pride in their work. Pupils who need extra help quickly receive the support that they need. The approach of ‘learning and growing together’ enables staff to consider the needs of all pupils and provide effective tailored support. As a result, pupils achieve well.
“Pupils develop a secure understanding of what it means to be part of a tolerant and caring community. They develop their character and are well prepared for life beyond the primary school. Pupils benefit from a wide enrichment offer including clubs, visits, residential trips and opportunities to broaden their experiences.
“They excel in sporting events and enjoy the music extravaganza. Leaders ensure that all pupils, particularly those who may otherwise miss out, can take part fully in activities.”
Leaders have been told they should continue to ‘refine and strengthen the curriculum and wider school offer in order to achieve standards that have a transformational impact for all pupils’.
Mr Brown added: “While we are incredibly proud of this recognition, we also share Ofsted's ambition to continue refining and strengthening our curriculum and wider opportunities so that every child can flourish.
"At Brambleside, we believe that good schools never stand still, and we remain committed to providing the very best education and experiences for every child in our care.”