The Olive School judged 'outstanding' in first Ofsted inspection

19 Jul 2019 10:08
Published by: Kian French

Staff, pupils, parents and governors from The Olive School, Preston are celebrating after their school was judged 'outstanding' in all areas following its first Ofsted inspection.

An Ofsted inspection team visited the Preston primary school, which opened in September 2016, for two days at the end of June.

The inspection report published this week commends The Olive School, Preston in all areas, including the 'highly effective teaching' and 'exceptional progress' of its pupils. Inspectors complimented the school's senior leadership team who it says 'have been instrumental in making sure that this relatively new school has provided high-quality education for all its pupils from the start.'

Ofsted inspectors also praised the 'rich, challenging and enjoyable curriculum' which they found evident throughout the school. The report states that 'pupils love school and become very confident, resilient and ambitious learners' who 'behave exceptionally well' and that their 'excellent behaviour makes a strong contribution to their enjoyment of school and to the quality of their learning'. The inspection team noted that 'skilful teaching' ensures that equally strong progress is made for those pupils with SEND or English as an additional language.

The report goes on to highlight the quality of 'highly effective' teaching at the school. describing teaching as 'inspirational' and the work children are set as 'challenging, thought-provoking and highly engaging' which ensures that 'pupils of all abilities are interested and keen to learn'. It also commends the progress made by pupils, both personally and academically. Inspectors found that the 'early years team provides children with an excellent start to school life. Children are happy, settled and excited about learning.'

Particular praise was also made of the effectiveness of the school's 'inspirational leadership' saying: 'The headteacher and deputy principal lead with integrity, honesty and determination. They have the highest aspirations for pupils and staff and have developed a clear shared vision for the school's future.'

School governors and trustees were also lauded because they 'routinely ask leaders searching questions about how well pupils are learning, the quality of teaching, pupil's behaviour and safeguarding arrangements'. They also 'complete a range of activities in school to ensure that they have accurate first-hand knowledge of the school's work'. Star Academies, the multi-academy trust which runs the school, 'provides exceptional support and challenge for the school and its staff.'

The school's STAR values, Service, Teamwork, Ambition and Respect, were highlighted as a strength of the school: 'The curriculum provides pupils with plenty of opportunities to develop these values through their respect for others, high expectations and aspirations in their work and their hopes for the future.'

Key findings of Ofsted's report include:

  • 'Highly effective teaching ensures that pupils learn exceptionally well and make excellent progress. As a result, pupils are extremely well prepared for the next stage of their education, both personally and academically.'
  • 'The curriculum develops pupils' deep knowledge and secure skills in a wide range of subjects. As a result, they are highly engaged and motivated to learn.'
  • 'The diligent and determined headteacher, ably supported by her extremely effective deputy principal, provides inspirational leadership for this happy and vibrant school.'
  • 'Pupils' excellent behaviour makes a strong contribution to their enjoyment of school and to the quality of their learning.'
  • 'Leaders and teachers have the same high expectations of all pupils. They consider each pupil's individual needs carefully, adjusting teaching according to how well pupils are learning.'
  • 'Pupils are curious about the world around them are respectful of the views and beliefs of others.'
  • 'Parents are overwhelmingly positive in their views of the school.'
  • 'Disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) make substantial progress due to the excellent match of learning to their identified needs and barriers.'
  • 'The early years team provides children with an excellent start to school life. Children are happy, settled and excited about learning. They make very strong progress during early years and are well prepared for Year 1.'
  • 'Governance is highly effective. Members of the board work closely with staff and trustees to consider and review the school's work.'
  • 'Middle leaders are clear about their roles and responsibilities. They provide very effective support for teachers. As a result, high-quality teaching has been sustained over time.'

Dawn Forshaw, Principal of The Olive School, Preston, said: "I am delighted that our school has been recognised as 'outstanding' in all areas by Ofsted in its first inspection. It was thrilling to read how impressed the inspectors were regarding the quality of teaching, and the immense impact this has had on the development, outcomes and high aspirations of our children and the enjoyment they experience when attending school.

"All members of the school community have been praised so highly, from how well-mannered and behaved our pupils are, to the constant support we receive from our parents, governors and Star Academies. It is amazing that the fantastic work of our staff has been recognised and that inspectors observed that staff care passionately about both the academic and personal development of all pupils. I am extremely proud that the vision for the school is being realised, which is ultimately changing the lives of our pupils for the better."

Mufti Hamid Patel CBE, Chief Executive of Star Academies, commented: "We couldn't be prouder of the school's 'outstanding' status. It is incredibly pleasing that Ofsted has recognised the hard work and dedication of staff, governors, pupils and parents at The Olive School, Preston. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to making the school such an exceptional learning and leadership environment."

Read the full Ofsted report for The Olive School, Preston.

The Olive School, Preston is a primary free school for pupils aged from four to 11 years which opened in September 2016. It was judged to be 'outstanding' in all areas by Ofsted during its first inspection in 2019. The school has had a new intake of pupils in its reception class in each academic year since opening and from September 2019 will have pupils in reception and from years one to five. For more information about The Olive School, Preston visit www.olivepreston.com

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