St Mary's CE Primary School Deane visited by Ofsted inspectors

St Mary CE Primary School in Deane was rated outstanding by Ofsted inspectors, a grade which it has held since 2017.

Inspectors commented: "The quality of education that this school provides is exemplary.

"Pupils, including children in the provision for two-year-olds, blossom socially and academically at this warm and nurturing school.

"A very warm welcome awaits all pupils who attend, including the high number of pupils who join the school in different year groups or part way through the year."

Inspectors found that the school is 'highly ambitious for all it pupils' including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

The Ofsted report stated: "Pupils rise to this challenge and, typically, achieve exceptionally well across the curriculum.

"The school expects the highest standard of behaviour from all pupils, including children in the early years. Pupils do not disappoint and live up to these very high expectations. They are kind hearted and well mannered. Pupils know that adults are there to help them if they have any worries or concerns. This helps pupils to feel happy, safe and secure."

The extra-curricular enrichment activities were praised and pupils were found to play a key role in the school, for example the are included on the interview panel when governors are appointing senior leaders and other members of staff.

Teachers are trained to a high standard and pupils, said inspectors, 'are very keen to learn'

Inspectors said:"They work hard in lessons to ensure that they achieve their very best.

"Pupils work well with their peers, sharing their thoughts and ideas."

They added: "Pupils are aspirational for the future. They talked about becoming doctors, vets or teachers."

Ross Powell, headteacher  said he was delighted at the rating and said it was a testament to how skilled both the teachers and students were.

He said: “The current Inspection Framework is considerably more challenging than when the school received its last Outstanding judgement in 2017.

"Since then, staff and governors have been relentless in ensuring continuous improvement and the highest quality provision for our pupils and their families.

“We are proud of the academic improvement students make and achieve but even more proud of the work we do to ensure our pupils fell safe and happy. Since the last inspection, we have achieved the Wellbeing Award for Schools in recognition of this work.

“We are blessed with a wonderfully diverse community and that is our greatest strength as we do a lot of character building and as a result, pupils integrate really well with each other.

"We have strong partnerships with parents and this helps all our pupils to fulfil their potential, regardless of their background.

"The inspection process was challenging and rightly so, but the inspector worked with us and took the time to gain a thorough understanding of the school.

The report pays particular attention to how the school monitors and supports SEND pupils.

Ofsted states: “Pupils with SEND, including those in the early years, have their needs identified quickly.

“Carefully considered adaptions are made to teaching so that pupils with SEND can learn the same curriculum as their classmates. “

Mr Powell said that this was down to the staff’s good work in identifying students who needed support quickly and establishing work to help them achieve.

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He said: “We were pleased the inspector recognised the excellent work the school does to support pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

"The outcome is recognition of the dedication and hard work of everyone that has been part of the St Mary’s journey, not least the previous head teacher."