Announcement

Minerva Primary School make rapid improvements and take effective action according to Ofsted

Minerva Primary School (which is part of The Redstart Learning Partnership) have made a significant and positive impact on the children’s education in a short space of time. Following an OFSTED inspection at the school on 14th January 2022, Her Majesty’s Inspectors (HMI) identified that the leaders and those responsible for governance are taking effective action.

 

The inspectors recognised how the school is building on their previous strengths and making rapid improvements as they continue their journey to make Minerva outstanding in every aspect of school life. The report (which can be found on the school website) identifies that the team are bringing about rapid improvements in the necessary areas.

 

Gareth Nation (Head of School) said: “The children, every member of staff, the wider leadership team and Trustees have pulled together to ensure immediate impact that benefits all of the children; they are at the heart of every decision we make and I am thrilled to be able to recognise everyone’s achievements as we continue to grow in strength. This is an exciting time for the school and we have laid solid foundations to provide the very best for our amazing children.’

 

Suzanne Flack (CEO) said “Since joining the school in September Mr Nation has created a strong vision for the school. His commitment to the pupils shines through everything that he does. The staff at the school have embraced new opportunities and have welcomed the additional support provided by a range of colleagues from across the Trust. We recognise the school still needs to move forwards but with the excellent progress OFSTED noted I am confident that Mr Nation and his team are well placed to ensure this happens.” 

 

The school’s vision, ‘Growing together making the impossible…possible’ permeates every aspect of the school and the OFSTED report recognises the school’s many strengths. Some of the comments from the report can be seen below.

Despite the limitations caused by COVID-19, leaders have taken swift and decisive action.

The English and mathematics curriculums have been strengthened.

Leaders have improved the English and early reading curriculums successfully. Well- informed staff teach pupils to read effectively. Staff follow the school’s phonics programme consistently.

Leaders have introduced a well-planned and sequenced guided reading curriculum. This is helping pupils to deepen their understanding of the texts they read.

Pupils’ use of vocabulary is becoming more sophisticated due to leaders’ focus on spoken language.

From the moment they start school, children are exposed to classrooms that have plenty of books and printed resources, such as labels and posters. Children in the early years enjoy daily poetry, rhyme and song.

Pupils feel safe and well cared for.

The curriculum is enhanced by opportunities to visit and learn from others.

Leaders have sharpened their systems to identify pupils with speech and language needs quickly.

They (the Core Group who are responsible for governance) hold leaders to account for their actions to improve the school and check the progress of curriculum improvements.