Slade Primary School celebrates glowing Ofsted report

Staff at a primary school serving one of Birmingham’s most disadvantaged areas are ‘absolutely thrilled’ after a glowing Ofsted report suggested it was on the brink of being rated as outstanding.

Slade Primary School – which is part of the respected Arthur Terry Learning Partnership – received a two-day ‘ungraded’ inspection on May 21 and 22nd, for inspectors to check that it was still living up to its existing ‘Good’ rating.

However, they were so impressed that their glowing report said: ‘the evidence gathered suggests that the inspection grade might be outstanding if a graded inspection were carried out now.’

Headteacher Danny Jones said: “Myself and my team were absolutely thrilled with the Ofsted report. I have read it several times over and picked out something different to be proud of each time.

“There was definitely a mixture of joy and relief across the team; we have an extremely hardworking team, and it was a huge relief that the relentless hard work that goes into the offer at Slade was acknowledged.”

The Ofsted report praised the caring nature of the school, describing the pupils as ‘extremely happy’.

It said: “The school is highly ambitious for all its pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school relentlessly seeks out opportunities to give pupils experiences that will raise their expectations of life and their ambitions.

“From the moment a child joins Nursery or Reception, they enjoy a colourful, purposeful environment that is language-rich and full of wonderful learning possibilities. This continues throughout their time in school.

“Pupils’ behaviour in lessons, from the youngest children to the oldest, is exemplary. Pupils want to learn, and staff want them to achieve highly, regardless of individual pupils’ starting points.”

Mr Jones said he was delighted that the report acknowledged the ambition the school has for all its students, including those with special education needs.

He said: “Our staff are relentless in ensuring that we provide the very best educational offer for all of our children, and I was proud that the report highlighted that.

The inspection, which was carried out by Tina Willmott, lead inspector, also praised the school’s curriculum.

It said: “The consistency of approach across subjects and for all pupils is exemplary. The school has identified what pupils need to know and be able to do to be successful in lessons and the future.

“As a result, pupils make strong progress in all subjects. The school has ensured that the teaching and development of pupils’ vocabulary and language skills are paramount.

Mr Jones said of the two-day inspection: “We found ourselves trying to squeeze in as many opportunities as possible to celebrate the hard work of our staff and give the inspector the opportunity to meet as many of our children as possible so that they could fully appreciate the brilliant communities that we serve.

“The outcome was definitely a team effort. It would not have been possible without the efforts of our staff and the wider support from our partnership. 

The school serves as a rich and diverse community in Slade Road, Stockland Green – an area that is recognised as one of the most disadvantaged in the UK.

However, Mr Jones said the Ofsted report was a testament to how the school and the community work together to improve outcomes for the students.

He said: “We pride ourselves on being at the heart of the community, and this positive Ofsted report is not only important for the school but for the community too.

“Parents can feel a sense of local pride and be assured that their children are attending a school that provides an excellent curriculum and fosters a strong partnership with the community. We are grateful for the unwavering support from our community that has made this outcome possible.”

Jenny Maskell, ATLP Primary Strategic Lead, said: “I am extremely proud of the team at Slade who are expertly led by Mr Jones and other senior leaders. The determination of the team, that all children should receive the very best education and enrichment is inspiring.

“I feel privileged to work with a school that really do put children at the heart of everything and go all out to make sure they succeed.”

Other highlights from the Slade Primary Ofsted include:

• A love of reading is a key priority for the school. Special reading areas, the school library, reading sheds on the playground and the cosy reading nook encourage pupils to read widely. Books cover all the subjects taught in school and more: women’s rights, Black and Asian history, Shakespeare and careers.
• Staff are well trained to teach phonics and early reading. Assessments swiftly identify pupils’ abilities, and those who need extra support receive it quickly. As a result, pupils learn to read well, with fluency, expression and understanding. The school’s knowledge of their pupils and families, and the circumstances in which they may live, is extensive.
• The school’s approach to pupils’ personal development is exemplary. There are a vast number of clubs: choir, chess, art, cookery, French club and coding club, to name a few.
• Visits and visitors, including residential trips, are many, and the school ensures that all can and do participate.
• Pupils can apply to be house captains, members of the school council or eco-council, Rights Respecting Ambassadors or playground friends. Pupils value these opportunities and know they can make a difference.
• Members of the trust and local advocates offer support and challenge and celebrate the school’s activities.
• Members of this school welcome and value everyone. They act tirelessly together to create a harmonious family. As a result, pupils thrive and learn to become caring members of society.

Caption:

Executive headteacher Danny Jones with Slade Primary students.