GOVERNMENT inspectors have praised a North-East primary school for producing “a remarkable shift in culture” resulting in a dramatically improved rating.
Ormesby Primary School, in Middlesbrough, was rated inadequate at its previous Ofsted inspection in 2022 but has now been assessed as ‘good’ across the board.
The positive rating covers overall effectiveness, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.
The latest Ofsted report says behaviour at the school – part of Ironstone Academy Trust – has been “transformed”, with pupils responding well to the high expectations set by staff.
It adds: “Leaders have instilled pride and self-belief into this school community. Pupils enjoy celebrating their own successes and those of their peers. Pupils are proud of the positions of responsibility that they hold, such as monitors, librarians, and playground leaders.
“Pupils explain that school is a place where everyone is included. This is evident from the way pupils interact with each other. They co-operate and enjoy playing together.”
The inspectors highlighted the way the school has prioritised the curriculum since the previous inspection, with enrichment activities bringing learning to life. The pupils’ education is also linked to their community, such as learning about local ironstone mines in history.
Bullying is no longer a problem at the school, with inspectors stating that pupils have a “strong understanding of tolerance and equality”. Pupils recognise what bullying means, fand feel confident about reporting it and challenging unkindness.
The report adds that changes to the governing body have provided “stronger oversight” and staff are proud to work at the school.
The school has recently increased the focus on children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Staff now have the information and training needed to support pupils with SEND, and they are well-catered for in classrooms, alongside their peers.
Headteacher Amy Blackburn said: “I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the children, parents and families whose support and dedication have been instrumental in our journey.
“I am immensely proud of our staff whose efforts, professionalism, and passion for improving our school have made this achievement possible.”
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Carl Faulkner, Chief Executive of the Ironstone Academy Trust, praised Mrs Blackburn, Deputy Headteacher, Andrew Drage, and the staff.
“They have shown through their hard work and determination the ability to make a real difference to the lives of the children who attend the school,” said Mr Faulkner.
“They have worked well with the other successful schools in Ironstone Academy Trust to address all of the issues that were previously identified. Our trustees are delighted with this collaboration and recognise this as a strength of our trust. We hope the pupils all enjoy a special day in school celebrating this achievement.”
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