A primary school managed to turn around its ‘inadequate’ rating to ‘good’ after a takeover by an academy trust.
Bedmond Village Primary and Nursery School was placed under special measures in 2016 after a damning Ofsted report found attendance rates were lower than the national average and there was little support for disadvantaged pupils.
It then reopened as Bedmond Academy as part of the Aspire Academies Trust, which managed to give the necessary improvements needed.
In an Ofsted report published in May, inspectors hailed the “friendly and welcoming school”.
Children were said to be inclusive and form “warm and positive” relationships.
The inspector said that pupils listen to each other and are confident to express their own views and are enthusiastic to learn.
The report reads: “Pupils behave well and are proud of their school. Pupils learn in a calm and well-ordered environment. Pupils report that bullying is rare. Pupils will talk to an adult if they are worried.”
It was also said that leaders have high expectations for every pupil and the kids have ample opportunities to achieve well.
READ MORE: Primary school rated inadequate and placed in special measures
Ofsted exemplified how children were taught about discrimination and the need to “treat everyone fairly” as they discussed different faiths.
During this time, pupils described some of the food that is important to people of the Jewish faith and how this is different for Christians and Muslims.
The report continued: “Staff know exactly what help to give children as they begin to master their sounds and blend them together. They become confident and fluent readers.”
It was said that an “overwhelming majority” of parents feel their children are happy, safe and well cared for.
Concerns that were previously addressed before the takeover seem to be a thing of the past, as they were not mentioned in the new report.
A spokesperson for the school said: “This is a huge achievement for every member of staff that has been a part of this school’s journey in recent years, as the last report that the school received (before Aspire took over) the school was deemed as inadequate.”
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