The principal of Bristol’s Evergreen Primary Academy in Easton says a 'seismic leap' has seen it achieve an Ofsted rating of ‘good’, up from 'requires improvement'. In 2019, Evergreen was among the list of the 20 worst schools in Bristol.
The latest Ofsted report said pupils were 'at the heart of this inclusive and diverse school'. Principal Jan Saunders said this was due to the school’s leaders 'going above and beyond'.
She said: “I am delighted for the school and the community that it has been recognised that the academy provides a good educational offer which enables our pupils to achieve well and are very well supported in developing as citizens." Ofsted inspectors praised the academy’s high standards of behaviour, safeguarding and pastoral support and overall ‘drive for excellence’.
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On the school’s leaders, inspectors said they had high expectations with pupils developing positive attitudes to learning, while providing a 'range of opportunities' beyond the curriculum, such as an eco-committee, academy council and e-safety champions. They found the most disadvantaged or SEND pupils were included in the determination to succeed.
Inspectors said reading was prioritised and with many children having little knowledge of the English language on arrival, staff adapted a phonic programme to help pupils, including visual prompts and signing. On pupil behaviour, inspectors found that children had a clear understanding of the high expectations for behaviour, including elements such as respect and kindness and the school was a 'calm and purposeful place to learn'.
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Inspectors highlighted that subject leaders had a sound knowledge of their subjects, with teachers checking understanding and using this to inform their teaching in mathematics. They also found language skills were developed through focus on talk with younger children.
On safety, children are taught not to talk to strangers and learn about safety throughout the curriculum, including keeping safe online and within the community. All safeguarding processes have careful checks including assessing the suitability of staff to work with children.
Executive principal for the Cabot Learning Federation Kate Richardson said: “We are delighted with the outcome of the inspection at Evergreen Primary Academy; this school sits at the heart of our trust and has, over time, benefitted from the support and guidance of many leaders within the Cabot Learning Federation. We are deeply invested in this community and couldn’t be prouder of our children, colleagues and families.”
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