South Gloucestershire Council

Published: 20/07/2015

Staff and pupils at Callicroft Primary School in Patchway, South Gloucestershire, are celebrating after receiving a positive inspection report from Ofsted.

Ofsted inspectors visited the school at the end of June and awarded an overall rating of ‘good’, with each of the five individual areas reviewed also assessed as ‘good’. This demonstrates the great progress that has been made since the previous Ofsted inspection in June 2013 when the school was rated as ‘requires improvement’.

Inspectors stated: “Teaching has improved since the last inspection and is now effective because pupils receive work that is at the right level for them. Teachers ensure that pupils are aware of what they are going to learn and that they are given clear steps to follow so that they know when they have been successful in their learning. Checks to measure the effectiveness of teaching and learning are rigorous. Consequently, the effectiveness of the school continues to improve.”

The report also praised the school’s leadership and management, saying: “Senior leaders have a clear vision for school improvement and a drive to achieve the best outcomes for pupils.”

Headteacher Nicola Antwis said: “This report is great recognition of the dedication of our staff, the vision of our governors and leaders and the commitment of pupils, parents and carers. We are immensely proud of the report and see a bright future for the school and every pupil.”

Inspectors also noted that the governing body has played a vital part in school improvement alongside the senior leaders: “The governing body gives good support. They challenge school leaders well, working closely with them in checking the effectiveness of the school. Governors have an accurate understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for development and compares these with other schools nationally.”

Chair of Governors Geoff Howell said: “To have achieved good in every category is testimony to the commitment and partnership of all in the Callicroft community – parents, carers, pupils, governors and the staff. Together we will continue to make this an even better school for every pupil.”

The report goes on to praise the school’s early years provision and the behaviour and safety of pupils, rating both as ‘good’. Regarding early years, inspectors noted: “Children settle quickly, most making at least good progress in their personal development as well as in all areas of learning.”

Commenting on the pupils’ behaviour around the school, inspectors said: “The behaviour of pupils is good. They behave well around the school and in the playground. Pupils have positive attitudes. They enjoy their learning, particularly when it challenges them to think hard. There is very little bullying and pupils feel safe.”

Leadership and management, quality of teaching and the achievement of pupils were individually rated as ‘good’. Noting the pupils’ achievement, inspectors said: “As a result of improving teaching, the progress of pupils has risen and is now good in reading, writing and mathematics. Consequently, achievement is good.”

Ofsted applies an overall judgement of ‘good’ where a school is effective in delivering outcomes that provide well for all its pupils’ needs. Pupils in ‘good’ rated schools are considered to be well prepared for the next stage of their education.

The Ofsted report can be viewed online at www.ofsted.gov.uk