A primary school that was previously rated ‘inadequate’ has turned itself into a ‘good’ school under new leadership.
Gurukula, the Hare Krishna Primary School in Elton Way, Watford, changed proprietors in September 2019 and appointed a new headteacher in September 2020.
Before that, Ofsted inspectors said the school ‘requires improvement’ in 2016 and that it was ‘inadequate’ in 2018.
READ MORE: School improves 'inadequate' ofsted rating to 'good'
In the past, Bhaktivedanta Manor School had a “poor culture of safeguarding” and the teaching was not up to standard, according to inspectors.
After a visit from March 22 to 24 this year, the school watchdog found that all areas inspected were ‘good’.
It was said that pupils were “enthusiastic” when speaking about their learning and they were “rightly proud of their work”.
The report reads: “Kindness is at the heart of school values. This is reflected in pupils’ good behaviour in lessons and around the school. They play and eat sociably together at break and lunchtimes. They feel safe in school.”
The report added: “Consequently, Gurukula is a calm and purposeful place to learn.”
The inspector also said that leaders were “ambitious” and the redesigned curriculum offers a broader range of subjects.
Referring to the new leadership, the report stated: “The reformed governance and trust team are skilled and experienced.
“They use their training well to ensure that they offer the right level of challenge and support to school leaders. Consequently, the quality of education has improved significantly since the previous full standard inspection in 2018.”
READ MORE: Watford primary school Ofsted inspection results this year
In response, headteacher Gwyneth Milan said: “Through prioritising the continued professional development of our wonderful teachers and designing a curriculum that matches the ethos and uniqueness of our school we were able to significantly improve the quality of education as noted in the inspection.
“Our aim is to provide personalised education in a spiritual environment. We are very happy that the kind, welcoming and inclusive ethos of our school was noticed by Ofsted as well as all of our visitors alongside our high academic standards and pupils who have a real love for learning.”
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