A PRIMARY school is working to improve its standards after it was rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted inspectors.
Berrow Church of England Primary School was visited in September by lead inspector Angela Folland and inspector Gary Chown.
Their report, published on November 11, identifies shortcomings in the school's safeguarding, quality of education and working relationships.
It also says many parents “have little confidence in leaders' ability to address bullying” and “lack confidence in the leadership of the school”.
The report says: “Leaders have not ensured that the culture of safeguarding is rigorous.
“While pupils feel well cared for, systems and processes are not securely understood or consistently used by everyone. This puts pupils at risk.
“Over recent years, senior leaders and governors have not tackled weaknesses in the school effectively. This means pupils are not getting a good quality of education.”
@berrow_school showing even in the Autumn months you can still have a fabulous time outdoors!
— SSE OUTDOORS (@SSEoutdoors) November 4, 2022
Copious amounts of hot chocolate were consumed post Gorge Walk at our Charterhouse Centre this week - the stuff memories are made of we reckon! #autumnfun #outdooreducation #somerset pic.twitter.com/TcbFZ2g5Bw
It adds: “Working relationships between senior leaders, governors and staff are poor. This has diverted the focus away from school improvement.
“Pupils with special education needs and/or disabilities (SEND) do not consistently have their needs well met.
“Recent improvements mean that many more pupils have their needs clearly identified.
“However, a lack of staff knowledge about how to meet these needs means that pupils are not learning well.”
The report does praise some aspects of the school including its Berrow Community Star awards that put pupils at the heart of the village.
Children are also given experiences that help develop their characters and have positions of reponsibility such as being house captain or school councillor.
Pupils' physical and mental health is well supported by the curriculum, and staff members have developed positive relationships with parents.
The school is working to make sure the report's recommendations are put into action with support from Somerset County Council.
Lee Chandler, headteacher of Berrow School, said: “We recognise that the recent Ofsted rating is disappointing and it is clear that standards need to be raised.
“However, there were some positives within the report, including the good relationships between staff and parents, and the behaviour, work ethic and listening skills of the pupils.
“The report acknowledges that the school has been making improvements and work is underway to ensure all the recommendations are heeded and actioned so that all our children receive the education they deserve.”
Tessa Munt, Somerset County Council lead executive member for children and families, said: “We have been actively supporting Berrow School since issuing a statutory warning notice in autumn of last year due to a challenging set of circumstances in the school.
“The school leadership is now responding to this challenge and while there is still a lot to do, the foundations are being laid for improvement.
“In particular, we are confident that this school will benefit from rapid academisation and the support a strong local trust can provide.”
To read the full report, visit reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/123807.
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