Coton Green celebrates after Ofsted praise

The headteacher of Coton Green Primary School has spoken of his pride after an extremely positive Ofsted Report saw the school achieve a rating of Good across all five categories.

Staff and leaders at the Tamworth school, which is part of the respected Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP), have worked tirelessly to revamp the school’s curriculum and improve learning outcomes for all pupils.

Their efforts were recognised by the Inspectors, who visited on the 24^th and 25^th September.

The Report states: “There have been significant changes to the curriculum in recent years. These have focused on making sure that learning builds progressively on what pupils know. These changes have had a positive impact on pupils’ enjoyment of learning and are improving outcomes.”

Headteacher Richard Osborne said: “The ongoing improvements to our curriculum, particularly in reading and writing, have had a really positive impact, with more pupils meeting expected standards.

“While we are pleased with this progress, and glad to see it recognised by Ofsted, we know there is still work to be done – particularly in mathematics – and we are already taking action to improve these areas.”

Safeguarding measures were also assessed as being effective, with Mr Osborne commenting: “We are pleased that the Report confirms our robust procedures in place keep our pupils safe.”

The Report specifically highlighted the staff’s highly effective commitment to ensuring pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are given the guidance and support required for them to make the most of the school’s curriculum.

The Inspectors noted that pupils with additional support needs are “identified early” and that the school works alongside parents, carers and outside agencies to provide “meaningful support to remove barriers to learning.”

Staff were not the only members of the school community to receive praise from the Inspectors – the dedication and good behaviour of the school’s pupils was also highly commended. Inspectors said that the pupils “control their emotions, sustain concentration, and play with each other in a kind way”, and “demonstrate positive attitudes toward their learning.”

Mr Osborne said:

The Inspectors were also impressed at the range of extracurricular opportunities offered at Coton Green for the pupils’ wider development. The school’s participation in the Children’s University scheme was praised for “raising pupils’ future aspirations”, and the Report noted that “the curriculum is enriched by trips” to places relevant to the pupils’ study, which “brings their learning to life.”

The overriding theme of the Report was the friendly and nurturing environment fostered by the school.

The Inspectors wrote: “Coton Green is a school where pupils feel safe because of the warm relationships they form with each other and with staff. Many in this community refer to ‘belonging to a unique learning family’ that is inclusive and caring.”

Mr Osborne said:

“The success of our school is a testament to the dedication of our staff, the hard work of our pupils, and the strong involvement of our families.”

Highlights from Ofsted report

• Pupils take pride in their work and are supported as they navigate the school’s improved curriculum.
• Staff are well supported and proud to work at the school.
• Pupils in the early stages of reading are supported well.
• The school has developed new approaches to help students who are falling behind in their learning catch up.
• Most pupils behave well and learn without interruption.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported well.
• Pupils enjoy attending clubs linked to their sporting and creative interests, curriculum-linked trips, and have the chance to hold leadership positions within the school.
• Staff identify ways the school needs to improve and carry out improvements well.
• ATLP supports the school by providing training and support to staff who lead improvements.
• This is a school where differences are celebrated and everyone is of equal importance.

Caption:

Students and staff at Coton Green celebrate after their positive Ofsted report.