‘Outstanding’
BEHAVIOUR of pupils at one of the area’s largest primary schools is “exemplary” according to a glowing report from Ofsted.
Birkby Infant and Nursery School, which has 526 pupils on the roll, runs like a “well-oiled machine in every aspect” and has now been judged to be ‘outstanding’ in Ofsted’s ratings. The previous rating was ‘good’.
A report published by the education watchdog this week says: “The dynamic headteacher, senior leadership and staff recognise their strengths but are never complacent. They are continuously looking to improve their own performances and those of the pupils in their care.”
Inspectors praised engagement with parents as exceptional, adding: “The daily parent briefing, led by the highly-skilled Family Engagement lead, provides an education for parents in itself.
“Staff are always available to speak at the beginning and end of the sessions, and at the more formal parents’ evenings.”
Governors were also praised for being “thoughtful, knowledgeable and engaged” while the attitude of pupils to learning was said to be “impeccable”.
Progress for pupils was rapid, the report noted: “Pupils who joined the school in the early years and stay to the end of Year 2 make exceptional progress from their typically very low starting points.
“For these pupils, attainment is very high and exceeds that typically seen nationally.”
The report added: “By the time children leave reception, attainment is broadly in line with national levels despite the low starting points of the children. This means that children are extremely well-prepared to start the next stage in their schooling.”
Headteacher Diana Wilson told The Examiner : “We are incredibly proud of all the children, staff, governors and parents.
“The Birkby community is a truly wonderful place to live, learn and work in.”
According to Ofsted, Birkby Infant and Nursery School is much larger than the average-sized school.
Almost all pupils are from minority ethnic groups, with the vast majority speaking English as an additional language.