A Brighton primary school is celebrating its improved Ofsted rating after a recent inspection.
Balfour Primary School was rated good by inspectors following a visit by Ofsted in December 2023.
The school has spent six years at a requires improvement grading after a shock Ofsted report in 2017 which downgraded the school from good in 2012 and outstanding in 2010.
Inspectors called it an “inclusive, vibrant school”, and commended the “nature school” provision which allows pupils time to enjoy learning outside.
The report mentioned that the school could improve the choice of lesson activity so that children learn as much as they can.
New headteacher Alan Gunn, who began at the school in 2022, commended staff, parents and pupils for their effort during the inspection.
Mr Gunn said: “We are obviously very pleased that Ofsted have recognised what a great school Balfour is.
“The staff, the children and the whole community work tirelessly everyday to ensure the best for all our children.
“Ofsted have confirmed what we know about the school and the one area we need to work on is something that is already part of our improvement strategy.
“This is a great result for the whole community.”
Balfour Primary School required improvement at its last inspection in February 2020, and received two monitoring visits in 2021.
On its most recent inspection, the school was rated good in all five areas: the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision.
The inspectors, Deborah Gordon, Mark Rivers, Andrew Hogarth and Harry Ingham, visited from 6 to 7 December 2023.
Their report said: “A recently revised nature school provision offers all pupils, starting from early years, time to explore and enjoy their outside environment.
“Staff value the high-quality training which supports them in teaching the well-considered curriculum.
“This is helping them to plan and teach learning that builds on what pupils already know and can do.
Has the lowest amount of pupils and might close, also has a good ofsted rating 🤔
I don’t understand your comment. Taking a punt at trying to: I think Brighton all over has overprovision right now of school places. I don’t think the council has a say in Ofsted reports. What is your point?
Can you read?
This school isn’t going to close. Also doesn’t have the lowest amount of pupils at all, think you are thinking of a totally different school.
While I appreciate the positive note on the school’s Ofsted rating, it’s crucial to consider the overall sustainability. A school with a low number of pupils might face challenges in the long run, impacting its ability to provide quality education consistently. It’s important to strike a balance between performance metrics and practical considerations for the institution’s future. Sustainability is a key aspect to ensure a lasting positive impact on students.
‘… plan and teach learning’? If Ofsted write that you plan and teach learning they need to revisit their pedagogy 101.