A SCHOOL where pupils feel “happy and safe” has been rated as good by Ofsted inspectors.
St Gabriel’s Catholic Primary School in Ormesby was inspected in March and was praised for pupil’s good behaviour and for organising memorable experiences, including trips to Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium.
Inspectors also noted the school’s new library, with wide range of books, its breakfast club and that pupils said bullying was rare.
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Headteacher Lindsay Phelps said: “The inspectors talked about how we provide a rich, aspirational curriculum for our children, which is so important to us because we want them to achieve amazing things in their lives.
“I’m also pleased they recognised that children with special needs and disabilities are fully integrated into the school and how we work hard to ensure they also reach their potential.”
The school in Allendale Road is part of Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust (NPCAT)
The report said: “Pupils are happy and feel safe at this school. They are polite and respectful to each other. Staff expect pupils to behave well, and they do. Pupils work hard and are proud of their work.
"Pupils say that bullying is rare. If it does happen, they know there are plenty of adults who will sort out their concerns quickly. Relationships between adults and pupils are highly positive.”
Ofsted noted two areas for improvement. It said teachers do not recognise well enough that some pupils’ phonics knowledge is insecure and said some pupils were falling behind in the area.
Ofsted also said in a small number of subjects assessment is at an early stage of implementation and means teachers and learners do not have a comprehensive picture of how pupils are getting along.
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Ms Phelps said the leadership team, staff, governors and families have all played a role in St Gabriel’s success.
“We’ve always had a team ethos and we’re all in this together – I always say we are Team St Gabriel’s,” she added.
“The report reflects how everyone plays a really important role and without all those parts, the school wouldn’t run as effectively as it does.
“The children are also a huge part of that team. It’s their voice that really comes through in this report, and that’s very important for me.”
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