Bexton Primary School earns good rating from Ofsted

Emily heads Bexton Primary School in Knutsford, which has earned a good rating for its overall effectiveness following an Ofsted inspection at the end of January.

The school, which has 516 pupils on roll, was awarded a good rating for three of the five categories looked at, with the other areas – personal development, behaviour and welfare, and early years provision – being rated outstanding.

The inspection report said: “The headteacher and deputy headteacher lead the school with passion and determination.

“They have developed a culture where only the best is good enough. Staff morale is high.

“Senior leaders’ resolute focus on tackling the dip in pupils’ achievements in key stage 2 since the previous inspection has proved successful. Pupils’ progress is good."

Emily told the Guardian: “We are thrilled with the report and feel it is an excellent reflection of our school. I am very lucky to work with such a dedicated team of staff and governors.”

“I am particularly pleased that our EYFS got the outstanding status it deserved as we took on the Pre-School in 2016 and the staff and governors have worked really well together to create an excellent provision for our children.

“The Lead Inspector said she had never seen so many positive parent view responses, which is testament to the incredible parental support we have here at Bexton.”

The report added: “Teachers know their pupils well and have good subject knowledge. By the end of year 6 pupils generally make good progress in their learning from starting points above those typical for their age.

“The teaching of phonics in the early years and key stage 1 is a significant strength.

“The curriculum ensures pupils develop their skills and knowledge in a wide range of subjects. It is increasingly well adapted to diminish the difference in outcomes between boys and girls.

“Leaders are aware that teachers need to move learning on quickly once concepts have been grasped, particularly for those pupils working below the level expected for their age. At times, pupils’ independence skills are not fully promoted.

“Pupils are friendly and display a high level of care and respect towards each other, adults and visitors. Parents hold highly positive views of the education and care provided.

“Pupils work hard and take a great pride in their achievements. They enjoy school and their behaviour is exemplary.

“Children make an excellent start to school life in the early years. They enjoy learning in this safe, stimulating environment. The proportion of children achieving a good level of development in the early years is above the national figure and continues to rise.

“The emotional needs of pupils who attend the resourced provision are met well. However, expectations of what pupils can achieve educationally and personally are not high enough.

“Sometimes the work set for pupils, particularly those working below the level set for their age, does not meet their needs well enough.”

Ofsted said the school needed to further improve teaching, learning and assessment to accelerate pupils’ progress still further in reading, writing and mathematics, and provide work to challenge the most able pupils to make the best possible progress in subjects other than reading, writing and mathematics.