Bransgore Primary School school given 'good' Ofsted rating far better now than when graded 'outstanding' says head
BRANSGORE Primary School is "far better" now, its head teacher has declared, despite losing its 15-year 'outstanding' ranking in the latest inspection.
The Ringwood Road establishment was rated 'good' this year, after getting the top grade in 2007, but was praised as a "compassionate, vibrant and welcoming" place.
Head teacher Paul Brown said it had "born the brunt" of government efforts to reduce the number of 'outstanding' rankings, but that it was actually "a far better school" now than at the last inspection.
Despite the downgrade, Ofsted's report "captures all that we hold dear at Bransgore school", he said.
"We define ourselves as a loving school and this is our one core value. A place where everyone feels cared for, safe, valued, challenged and above all, welcome.
"When children feel safe, happy and loved then they are in the right place to be challenged and their academic outcomes bear this out."
The report described pupils' behaviour as "excellent" and their personal development "exceptional".
It went on: "They believe that bullying is very rare, and that any issues are dealt with effectively; as a result, pupils feel listened to, safe and secure."
Leaders were said to have created a "broad and ambitious" curriculum for all pupils.
"Leaders support teachers in using a wide range of reading books to reinforce pupils’ knowledge and increase their vocabulary," said the inspector. "As a result, pupils develop their fluency and comprehension securely.
"Older pupils also enjoy and develop a strong love of reading and benefit from exposure to a wide range of ambitious texts in lessons."
Teachers set high standards for behaviour and pupils take pride in rising to these expectations, continued the report.
"Pupils have a deep sense of integrity and commitment to their education," it stated. "And the values of consideration and kindness are evident during sociable playtimes.
"Work to develop pupils’ character and sense of responsibility is exemplary. Children embrace opportunities, such as being peer mediators, and promote the embedded school values.
"Pupils value diversity and understand that others hold different views for many reasons. As a result, they show genuine respect for each other."
Morale among staff was also said to be high, with leaders "acutely aware of workload, welfare and talent development".
"As a result, staff feel valued and very well supported," said Ofsted. "Highly effective leaders at all levels inspire the staff’s commitment to working together for the benefit of all pupils."
However, assessment in the early years was not yet "consistently in place", the report pointed out, meaning that teaching is "not always informed by what pupils demonstrate they know".
But it was noted that leaders have clear plans to address this.