Great result for The Pines Primary School’s first Ofsted report
Staff and pupils at The Pines Primary School are celebrating the results of their very first Ofsted inspection which found the school to be ‘Good’ in all areas.
The Pines Primary School, was inspected by Ofsted on 13 and 14 December 2022, with inspectors rating the school ‘Good’ across all five key areas within Ofsted’s framework: quality of education; behaviour and attitudes; personal development; leadership and management, and early years provision. The report, which was published this week, praised the school for being a safe learning environment, with leaders who are supportive and caring. Staff ensure there is an ambitious, well-designed curriculum in place that that meets the needs of all pupils, with care and attention to empower those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
The report noted that: “Pupils flourish at The Pines Primary School. They arrive each morning ready and keen to learn. Staff greet every pupil with welcoming smiles. Pupils enjoy trusting relationships with adults. This ensures that pupils settle well at school and feel safe.”
“Pupils are polite and well mannered. They are accepting of one another and welcoming to new pupils who start at the school. As one pupil said, ‘This school is special because we have friendly relationships with one another’.”
Kerry Darby, Headteacher at The Pines Primary School, said: “I am thrilled that we can now share the results of our very first Ofsted inspection with our local community. I would like to extend my gratitude to all our staff, pupils and families for the hard work, commitment and passion they have shown to achieve this fantastic result.”
The report highlighted the school’s strong values that are shown by pupils at the school. Inspectors reported: “Pupils are keen to reflect the school’s values, the ‘six C’s’, through their work and play. They understand the importance of demonstrating them and recognising them in one another. Weekly assemblies celebrate their achievement of the values. They help to build pupils’ pride in themselves and their school.”
Kerry continued: “I am pleased the essence of The Pines Primary School has been captured in this report and that it represents our relentless drive and determination for ensuring our pupils are enthused about their learning through every aspect of school life.
“Moving forward, the report has provided us with a solid benchmark that we can use to grow and reflect on to ensure we continue to go from strength to strength.”
The report praised the academy for its creative and enriching curriculum: “Leaders have developed a broad and ambitious curriculum. It is well organised. It sets out clearly the things pupils need to know from their start in the early years to Year 6. Leaders ensure that their plans are regularly checked and make changes as necessary. This ensures that the curriculum is continually strengthened, so that pupils build their knowledge well.”
The safeguarding arrangements were also reported as being effective. Inspectors noted: “Leaders have ensured that there is a strong culture of safeguarding at the school. Staff are well trained and clear about their responsibilities for keeping pupils safe. They are quick to report any concerns no matter how small. Leaders take immediate action to follow up any concerns. Record-keeping is robust and detailed. Leaders tenaciously pursue any concerns, so that vulnerable pupils and families receive the help they need.”
The Pines Primary School joined Anglian Learning in 2020. As part of the inspection, inspectors met with the Chief Executive Officer of Anglian Learning and the Director of Primary Education for the Trust. Anglian Learning received recognition in the report for supporting the school on its continual growth journey with the report stating: “The trust provides a range of training to support staff’s professional development. This has supported the development of the curriculum. Staff consider that leaders support their workload, helping them to focus on their roles in school.”
Jonathan Culpin, CEO of Anglian Learning, said: “I would like to congratulate all pupils, staff, parents and governors at The Pines Primary School who have played a key role in achieving this excellent Ofsted grade. We are all very proud of the school and know it will continue to grow and develop.
“We are also delighted that the school is putting our Anglian Learning values into practice and our commitment to creating dynamic, empowered learners who thrive and lead in their communities: locally, nationally and globally.”
For more information on the school please click here
To read the report in full, please click here
