Ofsted praises staff at Burbage School

Head teacher, Anthony Tierney and his deputy Alison Ling pictured with house captains and prefects from year 6 at the Burbage Primary School, who are celebrating their good ofsted report.

The education watchdog rated Burbage Primary School, on Cavendish Avenue, as good - the second highest grade - after carrying out a short inspection.

It received a good report in its previous inspection in 2015 and Ofsted inspector Jayne Ashman said the school’s leadership team had ‘maintained the good quality of education’ since their last visit.

She said: “It was noted in the report pupils ‘love’ their school and enjoy their lessons and stated the curriculum is a ‘developing strength of the school’ and care and effort has been taken to ensure pupils receive a ‘rich experience of learning across a broad range of subjects’.

“The focus on improving the teaching of reading comprehension is showing some impact. There are signs the most able pupils are making faster progress than they did previously and a higher proportion are achieving at a greater depth in reading.”

The report noted within early years and Year 1, provision is ‘regularly adapted to ensure that all children make progress suitable to their starting points and stage of learning’.

Current information indicates the vast majority of children will achieve a good level of development in 2018.

It was stated a newly-established house system has encouraged in pupils ‘a sense of belonging and an ambition’ and that the rewards are appreciated and house achievements celebrated.

Addressing headteacher, Anthony Tierney, who joined the school in September 2015 after the previous inspection, Ms Ashman said: “You have worked tirelessly to address the areas identified for improvement at the time. You are adamant the quality of pupils’ learning is at the heart of the newly developed assessment process and teachers’ planning is now sharply focused to meet pupils’ learning needs.”

The school must now ensure pupils’ progress, particularly the most able pupils, accelerates further and a greater proportion of pupils achieve at a greater depth.

Mr Tierney added: “The report is a reflection of the efforts of a strong and effective team of staff, governors, parents and pupils, working together in the best interests of our children.”