A primary school in South Bristol no longer ‘requires improvement’ after a recent Ofsted inspection upgraded the school’s grading to ‘good’. Parson Street Primary School, in Bedminster, was visited by inspectors on July 9 and July 10 when it was judged to be ‘good’ across the board.
The previous inspection, which took place in March 2022, saw the school on Bedminster Road graded as ‘requires improvement’ on the quality of education and behaviour and attitudes at the school. Whilst personal development, leadership and management, and the early years provision were all rated ‘good’, the quality of education grade limits what the overall judgement could be.
The primary school, which also includes a nursery, provides education for 353 pupils aged between three and eleven. Pupils told inspectors that they enjoyed being at the school and that they feel safe, and can “talk to an adult if they have any worries”.
The Ofsted report said: “Pupils’ diverse cultures and backgrounds are celebrated by the school. This creates an inclusive culture in which all pupils feel valued.
“Staff welcome parents into school. The school provides parents with useful advice and support to help children to develop socially and academically.”
The school has high aspirations for pupils and what they are able to achieve. Parson Street Primary uses the ‘gem powers’ system in order to help pupils learn and behave well. It involves nine gems specialising in different attributes or qualities.
The report said that pupils “learn to be confident speakers” and are able to understand how to be “good citizens”. It adds: “The student council helps pupils to understand the importance of democracy.”
The school has implemented a new ambitious curriculum that reflects the high aspirations the teaching staff place onto pupils. The learning is sequenced in a logical manner which allows pupils to build knowledge across all subjects.
However, the previous curriculum had left gaps in some pupils’ knowledge which the new curriculum doesn’t take into account. As a result, not all the learning is well matched to what pupils already know.
The report said: “The ‘gems’ system supports children in reception to develop their resilience and confidence. Staff model early language and communication skills well. Children are enthused by the way they learn mathematical concepts which builds a strong start for key stage one.
“Teaching ensures pupils have plenty of practice so that they can apply what they have learned and connect it to what they already know. Staff choose activities that reflect the ambitious curriculum that is now in place.”
Looking for Bristol Parenting top stories in one place? Sign up for our newsletter here.
All staff at the school have the ability and knowledge to teach early reading skills to the younger year groups. Pupils read books that are matched closely to sounds that they know and those in need of practice, and pupils who have fallen behind with reading get help to catch up. But the previous curriculum and its legacy means that some older pupils do not read well enough.
Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are identified “promptly” by the primary school, so that staff are able to identify pupils’ needs and meet them. This means that pupils with SEND are able to learn well.
The behaviour of pupils was praised by inspectors as the ‘gems’ system is used effectively to celebrate good behaviour. Those pupils who do not meet expectations are “well supported so that most improve their behaviour rapidly., so disruption to learning is rare as a result.”
The school also encourages healthy eating and for pupils to live a healthy lifestyle. For example, bowls of different fruits are provided at break time and activities at play time help pupils to become more active.
The report adds: “The school has developed its clubs and enrichment offer with pupils’ needs firmly in mind. Pupils’ interests have also been considered.
“However, the school does not monitor who takes part in these activities. Consequently, it does not know whether all pupils, including those with SEND or who are disadvantaged, are getting a wide rich set of experiences.
“Governors and the trust provide support and challenge, but they do not always have a secure view of what is going well and where further development is needed. Staff feel well supported and the training they receive helps them to continue to develop their professional skills and knowledge.”
The use of one-word and two-word judgements have been scrapped by Ofsted in September and will be replaced with a school report card system which gives a deeper analysis of the school. Inspections which occurred before the change will continue to use the judgements, whilst future inspections will use the new system.
Want the latest Bristol breaking news and top stories first?Click here to join our WhatsApp group. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.