Family & Education
Ofsted takes a shine to Bury and Whitefield
Manchester school upgraded from 'requires improvement' to 'good'
May 22, 2022 14:28
Manchester school upgraded from 'requires improvement' to 'good'
May 22, 2022 14:28The headteacher of Bury and Whitefield Jewish Primary School, Claire Simon, said she was “thrilled” at its upgrade by Ofsted.
The Manchester school, which was rated as requiring improvement four years ago — the third out of four inspection grades — was ranked good in all categories after a visit by inspectors in March.
Leaders have high expectations for learning and behaviour, while curriculum development has made it “ambitious, relevant and interesting for all pupils”, Ofsted said.
Pupils are polite and well-mannered and good habits learned in nursery continue through the school. They told inspectors that staff quickly and effectively stop the recurrence of any bullying or poor behaviour and they are confident they can speak to adults “about any worries or concerns that they may have”.
Whereas in 2018 Ofsted said Bury and Whitefield lacked consistency in the promotion of British values and equality, the latest report found that pupils gain “a strong sense of British values”, have enjoyed learning about the religious festivals of others and learn about different families and relationships.
“All pupils, regardless of their beliefs, are fully involved in the life of the school. Pupils are tolerant and respectful of people’s differences,” Ofsted said.
Pupils value experiences that “go beyond the academic curriculum” and early years display a love of the outdoors.
The school received a ringing endorsement from parents according to responses on the Ofsted online survey.
All those of who responded said their children were happy (91 per cent agreeing strongly) and did well at the school (84 per agreeing strongly).
Fewer than a quarter (23 per cent) said their children had experienced bullying but the school had dealt quickly and effectively with it; 73 per cent of parents said their children hadn’t been bullied and the remainder didn’t know