Castle Primary School celebrates ‘Good’ Ofsted report

Pupils at the school part of The Redstart Learning Partnership “enjoy attending this caring school. They feel happy and safe. Pupils feel that everyone is treated equally”.

Castle Primary School has received a ‘Good’ grading in all areas, including personal development, leadership and management, the quality of education, and early years provision; following an inspection in June.

The inspection was a positive process and the inspectors recognised the tremendous hard work that everyone has put in over the past few years.

The report said: “The headteacher has a clear vision. The new leadership team understands the school’s priorities well.

“Pupils behave well throughout the school. They have positive attitudes to learning.”

Ofsted reported positively on the SEND provision and said: “This is an inclusive school.

“Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are involved in all aspects of school life. Pupils with SEND learn the curriculum alongside their peers.

“Leaders and teachers know the needs of pupils. Pupils and staff have strong bonds. “Pupils are also happy to ask any staff member for support. They know that their concerns are taken seriously.”

Ofsted also acknowledged the school’s focus on curriculum development, having a positive impact on the children’s learning: “Leaders have prioritised curriculum development. 

"Leaders have made significant improvements to the mathematics curriculum. This is having a positive impact on pupils’ learning.

“These improvements mean the quality of education pupils now receive is stronger than is evident in the most recent published outcomes.

“Pupils have positive attitudes to school and to learning. Work in pupils’ books is of a high standard.”

Steve Morton, head of school said: “I am incredibly proud of the team at Castle Primary School. The children are at the heart of everything we do.

“Within our learning community, we strive to offer an experiential curriculum that nurtures children's innate curiosity, creativity, uniqueness, and personal aspiration.

“We inspire courageous advocates and deep thinkers who celebrate the local whilst embracing the global, giving our pupils the skills and confidence to own their futures and we are pleased that the inspection could see our vision in every element of our school.

“Our focus over the past few years has been on ensuring that the quality of teaching and learning in reading, writing, and maths are strong and consistent across the school.

“I’d like to thank every member of staff at school as well as at The Redstart Learning Partnership, who has helped to bring the school to where it is now, and to all of our parents and carers for your wonderful support.

"Castle will continue to build on its successes and we’re excited for where we’re going next.”

Suzanne Flack, CEO of The Redstart Learning Partnership said: “We are very proud of the entire team a Castle who work tirelessly to provide a great education for our pupils.

"We are delighted that OFSTED recognised their work and found the school to be good in all areas.”

Tess Gale, Chair of Trustees of The Redstart Learning Partnership said: “The trustees were all absolutely delighted that Castle has achieved such a good Ofsted judgement.

“It is a testament to the hard work of the head and his team and we are delighted for the school, children, and community.

“Trustees are increasingly held to account by Ofsted for how the Trust supports its schools, so it was incredibly encouraging that Castle came through with flying colours in every category.”