Ofsted success for Anthony Bek Community Primary and Nursery School

Anthony Bek Primary and Nursery School, which predominantly serves the communities of New Houghton and parts of Pleasley, has celebrated its Ofsted inspection report, which has been published recently.

Under Ofsted’s new inspection framework, which no longer results in a single overall grade, but instead has a detailed report card with separate judgements across key areas of school life, the school has been graded 'Strong Standard' in 8 of the 9 areas.

Achievement, Attendance and Behaviour, Curriculum and Teaching, Early Years, Inclusion and Leadership and Governance are all graded as "Strong Standard", with the final area, Personal Development and Well-being, being graded as "expected" with just one target being identified- "ensure that the curriculum for different faiths and religions is planned coherently and implemented consistently" so pupils can explain their understanding "in depth" to further develop the curriculum for different faiths and religions so pupils can explain their understanding in depth.

Leaders' focus on the importance of strong foundations across the early years is clear within the report stating, "Children make an excellent start to their education in this high-quality early years provision" and "staff interact warmly with children."

"Leaders have developed an ambitious curriculum" which is "sequenced carefully" and "effective teaching allows pupils to engage full with learning".

"Pupils respond enthusiastically, participate actively and show positive attitudes to their learning" and "behave well in lessons and around the school" resulting in pupils achieving "very well across the curriculum".

With increasing numbers of pupils on roll with a range of Special Educational Needs, provision has been developed considerably with the Ofsted report recognising the "highly inclusive ethos" where "the school works diligently"; "staff know pupils well"; and pupils "experience a strong sense of belonging", "develop confidence", "engage well and make progress".

Headteacher, Donna-Marie Johnson, attributed the Ofsted success to the dedication, care and commitment of the whole staff team, pupils, governors and the wider community. "I feel privileged to work with staff and governors who care deeply about our school community and with the support of Deputy Headteachers, Nichola Miles and Jo Braithwaite, and our SENDCO, Charlotte Barnes, am excited to set our sights even higher to give our pupils the absolute best start in life".