Ofsted visited this Sunderland primary school and issued the following verdict on what they saw
“Overall, the report gives us a great deal to celebrate”
Farringdon Academy primary school headteacher Claire McDermott said she is proud of their Ofsted report which deemed the school to be working at the expected standard in all but one of the seven areas inspected.
No one-word overall judgement is now given to schools with, instead, a traffic light report card given ranging from blue (exceptional), dark green (strong standard), light green (expected standard), amber (needs attention) to red which indicates urgent improvement is needed.
The school was judged to be meeting expected standards for achievement, curriculum and teaching, Early Years provision, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing.
Ms McDermott said she was most proud inspectors saw a “caring, supportive and calm school where staff and pupils encourage one another to achieve their very best”.
Inspectors highlighted how school leaders “have an accurate understanding of those aspects of the curriculum and teaching that are working well and the areas that could be improved”.
They added: “The curriculum is logically ordered so pupils' learning builds on what they already know, and teachers have the knowledge and skills they need to deliver the curriculum effectively. Leaders and staff adapt their approach to meet the individual needs of pupils.”
Lead inspector Nikki Heron praised the school’s inclusive ethos and holistic development of pupils.
She said: “Leaders are committed to providing a high-quality personal development programme. Pupils benefit from a range of experiences to explore their local area and its heritage and particularly value the youth club where they enjoy structured play with peers.
“Pupils vote for student councillors, who represent the voices of their class and celebrate the achievements of their peers.
“Suitable support is put into place to reduce any barriers to pupils' learning or wellbeing.”
Ms Heron also praised school leaders who “know their school, pupils and local community well”, and highlighted how they “endeavour to work in partnership with parents”.
Ms McDermott said: “The report reflects the hard work, care and commitment of our school community – our wonderful children, dedicated staff, supportive families and governors.
“We were delighted inspectors recognised the positive relationships throughout school, the support we provide for children with additional needs and the progress pupils make. We were also pleased the report recognised the quality of pupils’ work, the strength of teaching, and wide range of opportunities available to our children.”
Whilst Ofsted acknowledged behaviour is good and pupils “conduct themselves incredibly well”, inspectors did identify attendance as in need of attention.
Inspectors said: “Overall attendance is below the national average and has been for some time. Leaders' actions to reduce persistent absence have resulted in gradual improvement. However, the proportion of pupils who miss school regularly remains too high.”
Ms McDermott said: “Under the current framework, behaviour and attendance are considered together, and it was our attendance figures – rather than concerns about pupils’ behaviour – which affected the overall evaluation in this area.
“Attendance continues to be an important priority for us. Ofsted recognised the significant amount of work the school undertakes to improve attendance and the commitment of staff to supporting children and families. We closely monitor attendance, work individually with families to understand and remove barriers, provide pastoral and practical support, and work alongside the local authority and other agencies.
“Overall, the report gives us a great deal to celebrate.”