Sheffield school recognised for "inclusive culture" in latest Ofsted inspection
Birley Spa Primary Academy has been judged at a “strong standard” for inclusion in their latest Ofsted report
A Sheffield school has been recognised for its “inclusive culture” in their latest Ofsted inspection.
Birley Spa Primary Academy, part of L.E.A.D Academy trust, was inspected in September under Ofsted’s new inspection framework, which now evaluates schools on multiple areas instead of issuing one word judgements.
The report also highlighted the pupils enjoyment of learning in all subjects and was judged to be at a “strong standard” for inclusion.
Cathy Patrick, Headteacher at Birley Spa Primary Academy, said: “We are delighted that this report recognises the strength of our inclusive approach and the dedication of our staff, who know every child well and work closely with families to make sure each pupil gets the support they need.
“Our vision is for every pupil to leave us with the skills and confidence to choose their own paths throughout their lives. We will now build on these strong foundations with a continued focus on spoken language and making sure high-quality teaching is consistent across every subject.”
The school also met the “expected standard” in Achievement , Attendance and Behaviour, Curriculum and Teaching, Early Years, Leadership and Governance, and Personal Development and Wellbeing.
Ofsted inspectors had many positive things to say about the staff at Birley Spa, that they “share an ambitious vision” for pupils, with an education that helps them manage their wellbeing and develop communication alongside their academic learning.
It also highlights their “deep understanding” of pupils, and positive relationships with parents.
Karole Sargent, Director of Primaries at L.E.A.D. Academy Trust, said: “This report reflects the inclusive, ambitious culture that Birley Spa Primary Academy has built, where every pupil is known as an individual and supported to succeed.
“As a Trust, we remain fully committed to supporting the school in the next stage of its journey, so that the strengths identified by Ofsted continue to be reflected in high-quality teaching and outcomes for every pupil.”
Other key areas that were highlighted in the report include:
- Classrooms are “calm and orderly”, with pupils listening to their teachers and to each other, while teachers have “detailed subject knowledge” to explain their ideas clearly.
- Staff work closely with families to remove barriers to attendance, supported by a partnership with a breakfast club and pupil attendance ambassadors.
- Teachers make “thoughtful adaptations” to lessons, using visual prompts and practical resources so that every pupil can access learning well. Pupils with SEND benefit from adjustments such as calm spaces and visual timetables.
- Pupils “relish the chance” to take on leadership responsibilities, from designing healthy menus with the catering team to leading projects to keep each other safe - while Aspire Day introduces them to careers such as nursing, firefighting and catering.
- In the early years, children explore indoors and outdoors “with curiosity and growing independence”, making regular use of the engaging resources staff provide.
- Leaders use regular checks, staff feedback and ‘support from the trust’ to identify what works well and what needs to improve.
Looking ahead, next steps for the school were identified, including continuing to develop the expertise of middle leaders so that high-quality teaching is consistent across every subject, and prioritising pupils' development of spoken language.