Ofsted delight for Coalbrookdale and Ironbridge Primary School

The Headteacher at Coalbrookdale and Ironbridge Church of England Primary School, Mrs Mandy Dhaliwal, has expressed her pride having received the full report following a recent Ofsted inspection.

The inspection team visited the school – which will shortly be joining the Diocese of Hereford Multi-Academy Trust (DHMAT) - on Wednesday 6 May and the final report states clearly that the school meets the expected standards in every one of the 8 graded areas, and that in 2 of the 8 - ‘attendance and behaviour’ and ‘personal development and well-being’- it reaches a ‘strong standard’.

The report noted that the pupils’ attendance is high and that their ‘behaviour in lessons and around the school is highly positive.’ Respect is shown for each other and adults, with pupils saying bullying is ‘rare’ as it is dealt with quickly if it happens.

The experience for pupils at the school was found to be ‘calm, nurturing and welcoming’, with staff knowing individuals well, allowing them to help with clear routines to ensure they feel settled and secure. The relationships are positive and trusting and pupils feel safe, listened to and well supported.

Importantly, the reports notes that pupils talk confidently about how adults help them manage worries and how the school teaches them to stay safe, including online. They also spoke with clarity about their understanding of equality, respect and the importance of celebrating differences, with one pupil capturing this by saying, ‘All people are unique, and this is a good thing.’

Inspectors found that personal development is a clear priority in the school, with leaders paying close attention to pupils who need extra pastoral support. This includes pupils who face barriers to their well-being or who have experienced challenges outside school, as the wider offering, including enrichment and targeted support, helps all pupils ‘develop resilience and confidence’.

Academically, the school’s results are broadly in line with national averages, with effective action taken to address aspects of pupils’ achievement that are not as secure, including improving pupils’ achievement in writing.

The curriculum at the school was found to be ambitious, and that it clearly sets out the key knowledge and skills that pupils need to learn. This means that the pupils are enthusiastic about their learning and take pride in the work they produce.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) were found to benefit from well-matched support and guidance and the school’s leaders were also seen as working closely with external partners to strengthen support for individuals who are known to social care or who face wider challenges.

Speaking about this report, Mrs Dhaliwal said:

“This report clearly reflects the positive progress that has been made at our school, and I am incredibly proud of everyone who has played their part in the significant steps forward we have made in recent years.

“To see inspectors shower our school with such glowing praise is very rewarding and to read to that our pupils are so happy here makes all the hard work done worthwhile.

“We will not be resting on our laurels as we know there are further improvements to be made, but to read a report that fully acknowledges the progress we have made is just the reward our whole school community deserves.”