Turton and Edgworth Primary on track to be outstanding

Turton and Edgworth Primary CE Primary School was  recently inspected by Ofsted.

It has been rated good since 2015.

Ofsted inspectors conducted what is termed an ungraded inspection - this is where inspectors determine whether a school remains the same grade as it was at its previous graded inspection,  but do not give individual graded judgements. 

Now, Sheila Iwaskow, lead inspector, has said that the evidence she gathered suggests the school's rating at a graded inspection "might be outstanding". 

She said: "Pupils flourish socially, academically and emotionally at this school. Their delight in attending is reflected in the way that they arrive at school each morning with happy, smiley faces.

"The school knows pupils well and values them as individuals. Pupils develop very positive attitudes to learning. In some subjects, they achieve very well.

"This is because leaders have high expectations and the subject curriculums are well thought out and taught effectively." 

She added: "Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), feel safe and develop positive friendships at school. The school expects pupils to behave well, and they do.

"They are polite and make visitors to school feel welcome. Quite simply, pupils are a credit to the school and their families.

"They know that adults will help them if they have any worries or concerns. The school ensures that vulnerable families receive the help and support that they need. 

"Pupils benefit from a rich range of experiences to enhance their personal development. They enjoy attending clubs, such as chess, choir and ‘karate maths’."

Ms Iwaskow added: "Teachers have excellent subject knowledge. They design learning activities that help pupils to know and remember more.

"Staff use a varied range of assessment techniques, such as questioning, to spot any gaps in pupils’ learning and to assess their understanding. 

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"Reading is given a high profile. Books are available in classrooms and in school libraries to foster pupils’ love of reading. As soon as children start in the early years, staff seize every opportunity to develop their communication and language skills.

Turton and Edgworth CE Primary School could be set to receive an outstanding Ofsted mark (Image: Google Maps)

"The school identifies pupils’ additional needs quickly. It ensures that suitable adaptations are made during lessons to ensure that most pupils with SEND access the same ambitious curriculum as their peers. Pupils with SEND take a full part in all aspects of school life." 

She added: "Classrooms are calm and orderly. Pupils listen well during lessons and enjoy opportunities to work with their friends, sharing their thoughts and ideas. Pupils understand the meaning of tolerance and respect for others. 

"Governors know the school exceptionally well. Although supportive of the school, they are not afraid to ask challenging questions relating to all aspects of the school’s work, including the quality of education.

"Most parents and carers are delighted with the quality of education that their children receive. They would happily recommend the school to others." 

Headteacher Craig Wheatley said: "When you make really big decisions, you know they are far-reaching for years into the future.

"You think they are right at the time, such as investing in staff who buy into what you're doing, but this has shown those decisions were right. 

"We feel we made the right decisions for the children at the right time, putting the right things in place. It didn't just happen overnight. 

"We are living in a world where Ofsted grades are going downwards. The standards expected are going up and I feel we are moving upwards." 

He added: "It is hard work, with decision making based around a child-centred curriculum. Getting a good is very hard, and to get this shows the school is making strides in the right direction. 

"It is down to the staff’s incredible hard work, nurture and dedication. It is above and beyond." 

Parent, Nichola Walsh, said: "As parents, we can see how hard all the staff, throughout the school, work and I hope everyone feels positive about the fact this has been recognised formally.

"The comments in the report reflect a lot of the thoughts of the parents in that it is truly a school that gets to know all its pupils and treats them as individuals.”