‘Incredibly proud’: Washington primary school celebrates Ofsted report

Columbia Grange School, in Washington, received a “strong standard” - the second highest of five grades - in attendance and behaviour, inclusion and personal development and wellbeing.

The school also achieved an “expected standard” in achievement, curriculum and teaching and leadership and governance.

Each morning, staff at Columbia Grange School “welcome pupils warmly at the door” to ensure they “settle in quickly” to the school day.

The report states: “Staff know the pupils very well, celebrate their uniqueness and promote their independence as much as possible.

“Staff's expertise in communication means they engage effectively with pupils, including those who are pre or non-verbal.

“This ensures that pupils experience positive, nurturing relationships with staff, who help them to feel safe.”

Ofsted inspectors noted how pupils enjoy school: “They attend regularly and enjoy the subjects they learn.

“Pupils follow an ambitious curriculum that prioritises basic skills in communication, reading, writing and mathematics.

“They learn a broad range of other subjects, such as food technology, independence and physical development, which successfully prepares pupils for their next steps.”

Ofsted identified three next steps this school could take to improve, including ensuring teaching is “consistently high quality”.

The report states: “Leaders should ensure that teaching is consistently high quality, including the ways staff check for pupils' understanding and identify and address pupils' misconceptions, so that pupils' progress is accelerated further.

“Leaders should embed their approaches to assessment and use this information to put in place the precise academic support that pupils need so they fulfil their academic potential. “

In a statement made to the Echo, Columbia Grange School said: “We are incredibly proud of this report and what it says about our school community.

“It is a testament to the dedication, expertise and care of our staff and the remarkable achievements of our pupils.

“The recognition of our strong standards in attendance and behaviour, inclusion and personal development and wellbeing reflects the commitment shown every day by everyone at Columbia Grange.

“We are especially proud that inspectors recognised the positive relationships, nurturing environment and ambitious opportunities that help our pupils thrive.

“This report celebrates the hard work of our teachers, support staff, families and, most importantly, our wonderful pupils who inspire us every day.”