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Ofsted praise Blackfordby St Margaret’s CofE Primary School following Rise partnership
Wed 02 Mar 2022Blackfordby St Margaret's CofE Primary School, based in the village of Blackfordby in North West Leicestershire, has been praised by Ofsted after receiving a ‘Good’ rating during a recent inspection.
The school, which is due to officially join Rise Multi Academy Trust later this year, has been working closely with Rise since 2021 and currently benefits from a range of educational and operational support provided by the Trust.
In their opening comments, Ofsted inspectors noted that the school “has a warm, family atmosphere and a caring ethos” adding that “leaders and staff provide a good quality education for all pupils, from the youngest children in the early years to pupils in Year 6.”
The report continued: “Leaders have rewritten the curriculum in all subjects. The revised curriculum sets out precisely what pupils should know, and be able to do, from the early years to Year 6. Leaders and staff worked together to identify the most important concepts pupils should learn, in each subject....Leaders and staff know the pupils well. They have designed the curriculum to meet pupils' needs [and] also consider pupils' well-being.”
Inspectors added that: “Pupils’ behaviour is good. They understand the ‘Five R’ school rules that are in place to guide their behaviour... There is a calm and productive atmosphere around school. In lessons, pupils listen attentively and respond well to instructions. They display positive attitudes to learning.”
During the inspection leaders and staff were also praised for promoting "pupils’ broader development well". Inspectors remarked that: "All pupils can access sports activities after school. Other activities, such as gardening club, are offered at lunchtime .Pupils enjoy taking on roles such as being members of the school and ECO councils. Some also act as librarians. This helps pupils to develop a sense of responsibility and pride in their school."
Sue Savage, Executive Headteacher at Blackfordby St Margaret's CofE Primary School, said: "There is such a sense of community here at Blackfordby St Margaret's and I am delighted that Ofsted have recognised the family atmosphere and caring ethos that are so important to us.
"Working alongside Rise, our staff and governors have really gone the extra mile, delivering the highest standards in order to provide a happy and fulfilling primary school education for our children.
"I am also incredibly proud of our pupils, who received high praise throughout the Ofsted report. We are so grateful to parents, carers and members of our wider community for their ongoing support too. Well done everyone!"
Focusing on the education provided at the school, inspectors also found that:
- Leaders have established a strong culture of care for pupils’ well-being and safety…Pupils, staff and parents agree that the school is a safe place.
- Leaders prioritise reading across the school. Staff provide well-stocked class reading areas. Pupils and staff alike enjoy the daily class story times, when they read a class novel together.
- The work in pupils’ books matches what is set out in the curriculum…It is clear, from pupils’ books that lessons follow a logical sequence.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive good support to access the full curriculum. Leaders and staff work proactively with parents and other agencies to assess and review pupils’ needs. They ensure that pupils with SEND play a full part in the life of the school.
- Through the curriculum, pupils of all ages learn about a range of faiths and cultures. They understand the school’s four core values of patience, hope, perseverance, and constancy. They are learning to be thoughtful, respectful young citizens.
- Staff say that they work well together as a strong team. Staff feel well supported by leaders, They appreciate leaders' and governors' concern for their workload and well-being.
- Those responsible for governance provide effective support and challenge for the school. They fulfil their statutory duties diligently.
Mark Cole, CEO of Rise Multi-Academy Trust said: “My congratulations go to everyone at Blackfordby St Margaret's on this latest Ofsted inspection outcome.
"Leaders, staff and governors at the school have been working in partnership with Rise for some time now, building a new and exciting curriculum and setting the foundations in place for every child to flourish and succeed.
"The many positive comments made by Ofsted are testament to the hard work and collaboration of everyone involved, it is this shared focus and sense of community that drives us all to deliver the very best for our pupils."