Ofsted regularly inspects schools and the aftermath of an inspection is a report which gets published online. The report shows how the inspectors rated the school on a number of key judgements.
All schools are rated on four judgements: the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and the leadership and management. Where applicable, a school will also be judged on the early years provision and the sixth form provision. Each judgement is given one of four ratings; ‘Outstanding’, ‘Good’, ‘Requires Improvement’ or ‘Inadequate’.
Prior to September 2024, schools were given a one-word or two-word judgement which were generated by the judgements (noting that the quality of education was a limiting factor). But this process was scrapped and instead no judgement is given, although it can be inferred, and starting in the next academic year, schools will be given a report card.
In November, ten schools in Bristol were given a new Ofsted report. These schools include pre-schools, mainstream schools and special schools, all of which are under the Bristol Local Authority.
The Brislington Village Pre-School – ‘Good’ across the board
The Brislington Village Pre-School was widely praised for allowing children to feel “a sense of belonging”. The pre-school, within St Luke’s Church Hall on Church Parade, has 41 children on its school roll.
Children’s emotional well-being was prioritised and children formed close bonds with their key person. Overall, the curriculum impressed the inspector, and leaders at the school ensure that the pre-school is “fully inclusive”, which also was praised.
The Tin Drum Nursery – ‘Good’ across the board
The Tin Drum Nursery was described as “lovely” by the inspector as the nursery received a positive first Ofsted report. The staff at the nursery were particularly praised for being “warm and welcoming”, leading children to happily leave their parents at the beginning of the day.
A total of 50 children are on the school roll at the nursery on Redland Grove, whom were described as being “kind and gentle”. The nursery gives children many opportunities to learn about the world around them through various activities and visits.
Westbury Park School – ‘Outstanding’ across the board
Westbury Park School was given a perfect Ofsted report following its inspection in early October. It had been the first time the primary school was inspected for ten years when it also received an ‘Outstanding’ rating, meaning standards remain high.
Pupils “excel academically and thrive socially and emotionally” at the school on Bayswater Avenue. The education as a whole is “expertly designed” and the leaders at the school were described as “outstanding”.
Harcourt Preschool Co-Op – ‘Good’ across the board
Harcourt Preschool Co-Op, on Bayswater Avenue, was rated as ‘Good’ in every key judgement, a downgrade on its previous ‘Outstanding’ rating. Children flourish at the preschool and the curriculum is built on giving children independence.
There are 21 children currently on the school roll and staff are able to make sure each child is looked after and developing. Ofsted noted that the safeguarding at the school is effective and that there is an open and positive culture in place.
Briarwood School – ‘Outstanding’ across the board
Briarwood School was given a perfect Ofsted report after inspectors described the experience as “heartening”. The special educational school, which operates out of three sites across East Bristol, supports 165 pupils aged between three and 19 years old.
Pupils told inspectors that they love their time at the school and want to continually be at the school. The curriculum was described as being “crystal clear” and inspectors said: “Briarwood achieves the vision it has set out.”
Henbury Court Primary Academy – Mix of ‘Good’ and ‘Requires Improvement’
Henbury Court Primary Academy, on Trevelyan Walk in Henbury, received a mixed Ofsted report when inspectors visited. A previous weak curriculum, which has since been improved on, holds back older pupils from obtaining the knowledge they need.
Despite this, the school is working hard to improve the use of assessments to check knowledge and has raised “expectations of attendance”. The school was praised for providing a range of experiences for its pupils, including visiting the Houses of Parliament.
Knowle Park Primary School – Retains ‘Good’ standard in ungraded inspection
Knowle Park Primary School was subject to an ungraded inspection where it was found to remain at a ‘Good’ standard. Ofsted said that the school is “where everyone is welcome” and that pupils are happy, friendly and respectful.
The curriculum has recently gone through “significant change” which allows pupils to know exactly what they need to learn. However, some gaps in pupils’ knowledge remains and assessment is needed to be implemented better.
Cathedral Primary School – Four judgements ‘Good’ and one ‘Outstanding’
Cathedral Primary School was given an ‘Outstanding’ rating in the personal development key judgement and ‘Good’ ratings across the rest of the judgements. Inspectors praised the school during the inspection and said: “The school’s vision ‘many voices, one harmony’ is a golden thread that runs throughout the school.”
The primary school, at College Square, has 420 pupils on the school roll. The curriculum, pupils and staff were widely praised and reading underpins the entirety of the school’s curriculum.
Greenfield E-ACT Primary Academy – Three ‘Outstanding’ judgements and two ‘Good’
Greenfield E-ACT Primary Academy was lavished with praise when inspectors visited the school. Described as a “haven where all pupils can blossom”, the school in Knowle West has an ambitious and well-structured curriculum.
Pupils’ behaviour is “exemplary” due to staff establishing routines from day one when pupils join the school at age three. Attendance at the school is good and an exciting range of clubs are factors in keeping pupils engaged and wanting to attend the school.
Mama Bear’s Day Nursery – ‘Good’ across the board
Mama Bear’s Day Nursery, in Shirehampton, received a ‘Good’ report two years after a concern was raised to Ofsted. The 20-year-old nursery has a “well planned” curriculum and focuses on the children’s learning needs.
The nursery has 49 children on the school roll and children are able to “enjoy the freedom to explore independently”. Staff were also praised for “sensitively” supporting the care needs of those within the provision.
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