A ‘FRIENDLY and welcoming’ primary school has won high praise from inspectors for preparing children for the modern world.
Ofsted inspectors visiting Bader Primary School, Thornaby, noted that pupils were ‘enthusiastic about their learning, showed a commitment to their work and a desire to achieve’.
Their report highlighted: “Staff know pupils as distinct individuals. They know about pupils’ interests and understand pupils’ individual needs.
“Pupils, including those who are disadvantaged and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, benefit from the school's approach. Overall, they achieve well in their learning.”
Staff were praised for creating an environment in which the 280 pupils felt valued. “Pupils develop positive and trusting relationships with staff,” the report said. “They know that staff do everything they can to help them. Pupils develop firm friendships and support each other’s wellbeing.”
Bader Primary School provides a wealth of opportunities for pupils to gain new experiences and enhance their learning.
Inspectors said: “Pupils enjoy residential trips, arts activities and outdoor learning. They develop knowledge about their own region and its history.
“Pupils behave well and feel safe at school. They attend school regularly. The school’s values make a significant contribution to a culture which encourages pupils to succeed.”
“The school prepares pupils for life in modern Britain in a considered way,” inspectors said. “Pupils develop an understanding of democracy through the election and work of the school’s parliament. Many pupils take on leadership roles. They make a positive difference to school life in roles such as librarians and sports leaders.”
The school’s personal development programme was highlighted for its ‘high quality’. “Pupils build a depth of knowledge and understanding about relationships and the wider world,” the report said.
“They know how to promote their own physical and mental health. Moreover, they learn how to keep themselves safe, both online and in the local community. The school teaches these aspects of PSHE with rigour and sensitivity.”
The school ensures that pupils understand why discrimination is wrong. “Pupils know about the different characteristics that people have, including disability, race and religion,” inspectors noted. “They develop a clear understanding of why Britain does not tolerate discrimination. Skilful teaching of these aspects of the personal development programme has a positive impact on pupils. It enables them to know how to behave with integrity.”
Inspectors highlighted the school’s work in developing pupils’ character in a purposeful way. “The school grounds this work in the school’s values and high-quality pastoral support,” inspectors said.
“Leaders have embedded the school's values in all aspects of school life. Pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, grow in confidence and develop resilience. This enables them to manage setbacks and achieve well.”
Inspectors noted leaders’ relentless focus on improving attendance recognising that they understood the barriers to pupils attending well. “They use their understanding of each pupil's context to remove barriers to good attendance,” they said. “Leaders are rigorous in their analysis of trends and patterns of attendance and use this to inform the school’s attendance strategy.”
Pupils were recognised for behaving well and taking responsibility for their own actions. “They take pride in demonstrating these values in their actions and in their attitudes to others,” inspector said. “They show kindness and consideration to each other and show positive attitudes to their learning. The school has established a calm, orderly and respectful environment.”
Leaders showed a commitment to providing pupils with high-quality learning. “Leaders have an astute knowledge and understanding of the quality of the school's curriculum and teaching,” the report said. “They have established a broad and balanced curriculum that is ambitious for all pupils.”
Head teacher David Hodgson said: “The report reads really well and is a reflection of the hard work and effort of the staff team here at Bader, supplemented by the support from the Spark Education Trust. We are here to support the children within our community and work in partnership with our parents and carers to achieve this.”