Staff and pupils at
Downe Primary School in Bromley are delighted to be celebrating an overwhelmingly positive Ofsted report which highlights that the school is rated ‘strong’ in all areas.
Ofsted no longer issues
one-word overall judgements and schools are now graded across a range of areas on a five-point scale, with ‘expected standard’ being the new benchmark for high-performing schools.
Downe Primary, part
of The Pioneer Academy Trust, has exceeded the expected standard in all areas and is rated ‘strong’ for achievement, attendance and behaviour, early years, inclusion, leadership and governance and personal development and wellbeing.
Inspectors noted that
“pupils achieve highly in this joyful, inclusive and ambitious school”, highlighting that the children are “confident, friendly and joyful learners who respond enthusiastically to high‑quality teaching.”
Ofsted recognised
that pupils make strong progress across their subjects – “including those who face barriers to learning or wellbeing”, and leaders ensure that “sharply focused support” reduces barriers effectively, enabling pupils to flourish academically and personally.
Inspectors also highlighted
that pupils feel “a rich sense of belonging”, noting that all children are included in all aspects of day‑to‑day school life, learning and playing together with “warmth and respect”.
Playtimes are described
as “joyous”, exemplifying the school’s strong community spirit.
Ofsted mentioned that
one parent represented the views of many when sharing the following:
“The teachers are
dedicated, approachable, and genuinely care about every child’s academic progress and personal wellbeing. They create a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to be curious, confident and resilient”.
Among many other highlights,
Ofsted recorded the following:
Pupils achieve consistently highly in published national tests and across the wider curriculum. Disadvantaged pupils attain
strongly, with outcomes that match or exceed those of their peers.
Behaviour is exemplary. Leaders have established a highly inclusive culture where pupils understand and meet clear expectations.
Relationships between staff and pupils are warm, purposeful and built on mutual respect.
Teaching is characterised by clarity, positive relationships and secure subject expertise.
Children in early years are calm, settled and deeply engaged in a language-rich and purposeful learning environment.
Leaders provide highly effective and inclusive support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
Staff articulate strong confidence in leaders and describe workload and wellbeing as managed with care and integrity.
Trustees and governors provide highly effective challenge and support, enabling this small school to think ambitiously and invest
in substantial teacher development. The commitment to staff development is impressive.
Pupils’ lives blossom further through ‘The Pioneer Passport’, a programme of life experiences to ensure that pupils encounter
a rich set of experiences from theatre trips to residential activities.
Matt
Ferguson, Headteacher at Downe Primary School, said:
“We are all delighted
that our new Ofsted report reflects the amazing achievements of our pupils, the extraordinary dedication and care shown by our staff team and the incredible spirit of our whole school community, including our parents.
“I want to thank everyone
at Downe for their ongoing commitment to making Downe Primary School the very best it can be for pupils and staff. I am so proud of you all. Our shared drive to build on all our successes will continue across every area.”
Lee
Mason-Ellis OBE, CEO at The Pioneer Academy said:
“We are very proud
of everyone at Downe and it is brilliant to see that Ofsted’s report reflects the wonderful nature of the school and its pupils, staff and families.
“Downe is clearly
a brilliant school and we look forward to continuing to support
Downe to thrive.”