Stockport primary school rated ‘inadequate’ still needs to improve: Ofsted

A primary school that was rated ‘inadequate’ before converting to an academy has been told it still needs to do better.

Education watchdog Ofsted says Bredbury Green Primary School, in Romiley, Stockport, ‘requires improvement’ following a recent inspection.

A newly published report says children love going to the ‘happy’ Clapgate school, praising the ‘committed staff’ and ‘effective steps’ taken to improve pupils’ learning in maths and English.

But while the youngsters behaviour and personal development are rated as good the quality of education and leadership at the school are said to still not be up to standard.

The report notes that the school is ‘ambitious’ for all its pupils – but youngsters ‘do not achieve as well as they should in subjects other than English and mathematics’

“They do not have a secure knowledge of some important parts of the curriculum,” it adds. “This is because, in some subjects, leaders have not made it clear enough to teachers what pupils should learn.”

Officials acknowledge school leaders have ‘thought carefully about how the curriculum will develop pupils’ understanding of diversity’ – but ‘not considered the most important knowledge that pupils need to learn in these subjects’.

“As a result, Inspection report pupils do not develop a secure knowledge of some important aspects of the curriculum,” the report continues. “For example, older pupils have only a superficial knowledge of mapping skills in geography.”

And while staff are said to ‘routinely check’ how well pupils are progressing, inspectors found this sometimes  does ‘not identify when pupils have not learned or remembered important knowledge’.

Improvements made

Despite the overall ‘requires improvement’ rating, there is plenty to commend the school in the report.

Children are said to ‘behave well’, with officials noting that they ‘take pride in their work and try their best’.

“Leaders ensure that pupils have ample opportunities for personal and social development. In the early years, children learn to listen carefully and follow instructions,” the report adds.

“Pupils develop as active citizens and are fully involved in school life. For example, older pupils are proud of their leadership roles, such as learning ambassadors and members of the school council.”

Youngsters were also said to ‘develop a mature understanding of the importance of equality’ and ‘value different cultures’.

Meanwhile, the school has improved how it identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). “Leaders and staff work together to ensure that these pupils access the same curriculum as their peers,” officials noted.

“Children in the specialist resource provision thrive,” the report adds. “Teachers provide a carefully planned curriculum that is matched closely to children’s individual needs. The early years classrooms provide calm, well-resourced and attractive areas for these children to enjoy.”

The school is now run by the Education Learning Trust since, which, together with the local governing body and school leaders,  is said to ‘share a determination to continue the school’s journey of improvement.’

School response

Headteacher Helen Moorcrof said the school was ‘delighted’ to have been removed from special measures.

She said: “Since I took up the position of headteacher two years ago, the commitment of the pupils, staff and wider community has been overwhelming – improving the quality of education which our children at Bredbury Green Primary so deserve.

“In three out of the five categories the school has advanced through two Ofsted grades to be judged ‘Good’ in three areas: Early Years, Personal Development and Behaviour and Attitudes. Nevertheless, we are continuing to reflect on our journey to ensure our wider curriculum is sequenced to further prepare pupils for their future education.”