Ofsted has this morning (Monday) released the latest inspection report for Barton Primary School in Newport.
The school has made a tremendous leap from being placed in Special Measures and rated as ‘Inadequate’ just two years ago, to now being considered ‘Good’ by the inspectors.
‘Good’ in all areas
The school was placed in Special Measures in June 2013 and back in April this year was finally given permission to recruit newly qualified teachers.
The latest report elevates the school’s rating not by one level, but two. The school was found to be ‘Good’ in all four areas considered by the inspector; leadership and management, behaviour and safety of pupils, quality of teaching and the achievement of pupils.
In May 2015, the school was also awarded a national Primary Science Quality Mark.
Highlights from the report
This is a good school.
- The senior leaders have successfully overcome the school’s previous weaknesses and improved the quality of teaching and raised pupils’ achievement.
- The headteacher’s strong leadership has been instrumental in supporting the school’s development. He is ably supported by a strong leadership team.
- Teaching is good across the school. Teachers and learning support assistants work together very well to support pupils’ development.
- Teachers are innovative in planning exciting learning experiences that capture pupils’ interest and encourage an enjoyment of learning.
- Pupils develop a good appreciation of British values through well planned activities that relate to current events.
- Pupils achieve well and make good progress from their starting points.
- Pupils’ early reading skills are enhanced by the high quality teaching of phonics (the sounds that letters make).
- Pupils’ behaviour in and around the school is good and they feel safe. In lessons, pupils display good attitudes to learning and work together well. The school council provides pupils with significant opportunities to influence change.
- The school successfully promotes pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, including developing pupils’ leadership responsibilities.
- Leadership of the Early Years Foundation Stage is good. Children are well supported and enabled to make good progress.
- The interim executive board (IEB) provides excellent challenge and support to the school. Members of the IEB share the leadership’s determination to improve the school. They have a very clear understanding of the school’s work and its impact on overcoming the challenges faced.
Where the school can improve
It is not yet an outstanding school because:
- A legacy of previous poor quality teaching means that some pupils struggle to make good progress.
- Attendance has fallen slightly and is below the national average. Leaders have not reduced the number of pupils arriving late.
- Procedures to monitor pupils’ progress and attainment are not used consistently, which limit their effectiveness.
The Report
Full details can be found in the report below.
