Sheffield primary schools are improving, say inspectors

Staff and pupils at three schools boosted their ratings from either inadequate or requires improvement to good at inspections earlier this year.

All were praised for their leadership, pupils’ achievement and behaviour, and the steps taken to better their previous grades.

Executive headteacher at Whiteways Primary School in Burngreave, Sue Bridges, said she was ‘absolutely thrilled’ to have gone from requires improvement to good.

“The outcome of good with outstanding for personal development and welfare is very special, because it’s the first time since 2001 that the school has been graded as good.

“The grade is down to the hard work of the staff and the support of the parents, to partner school Owler Brook and children who are just thrilled to bits.

“They loved it when the banners arrived. I read parts of the report out in assembly to a lot of cheers.”

Inspectors said Mrs Bridges and her leadership team and governors ‘exude high expectations’ and had been extremely effective in improving the school.

They found pupils made good progress in reading, writing and maths throughout the years and pupils with disability and special needs achieved particularly well.

“The next step is outstanding, for both the schools,” said Mrs Bridges.

Bankwood Community Primary School in Gleadless Valley made a similar turnaround from requires improvement to good.

Headteacher Wendy Edwards said: “We are very pleased our school has achieved a good Ofsted rating which highlights the progress our children have made.

“This could not have been achieved without the hard work of our children, parents/carers, governors and staff. Ofsted feel the school is a harmonious community where all pupils relate to others, of which we are particularly proud.”

Inspectors said pupils at Bankwood ‘love school and are very proud to be there’.

“They quickly develop into confident young people,” said the report, and added praise for teachers and governors.

And Southey Green Primary School and Nurseries in Firth Park was rated good from a previous grade of inadequate, although its early years provision still requires improvement.

The school was praised for pupil achievement, work that captures pupils’ interest, good conduct throughout school by pupils, and high expectations that are met by the children.

Work in Early Years still needs some work but is improving rapidly, inspectors noted. They advised the school to develop leadership and improve teaching skills to boost its grade.