Staff and pupils at an Arnold primary school are celebrating after it was praised by the education watchdog Ofsted and rated as 'good' in all areas of education and school life. It came after inspectors visited Robert Mellors Primary Academy, in Bonington Drive, last October.
The report, which was published the following month, said that pupils enjoyed being in school and, as a result, the school had a good attendance. Inspectors also said that the school was "well led by highly skilled leaders who are supported effectively by the Redhill Academy Trust" and that staff were "proud to work at the school".
During the two-day visit, inspectors observed lessons, looked at pupils’ work and spoke to a wide range of people, including pupils, parents, teachers, leaders and governors. In the report, the inspectors wrote: "Pupils know what it means to be ready to learn.
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"They are able to connect the values of respect and resilience to the work they complete in class.” Speaking with pupils, who are aged between 2 and 11, inspectors heard that students "feel safe and happy because the staff look after them".
Later in the report, the inspectors note that: “Staff know the pupils as individuals. They provide for the pupils’ needs and care for them with kindness and respect" and that "staff consistently model the school values to the pupils.”
It also stated that: "Pupils are kind, caring and inclusive of each other. They behave well at the school. "They are very polite to all adults, including visitors.” They added: "The good relationships staff have with families give parents the confidence to mention any concerns and ask for support.”
The report also made reference to how an ambitious curriculum has been developed and allows for a strong start in the school's early years provision. It also refers to how the schools values of inclusion and respect will prepare pupils well for life in modern Britain.
Headteacher Emma Essex said: “Everyone at Robert Mellors is thrilled with the outcome of the inspection and how our Make a Difference culture has been celebrated in the report. The staff fully deserve this official recognition of their commitment and passion to ensuring the best provision and care is in place for all the children who attend our school.”
Julie Wardle, director of primary education at Redhill Academy Trust, added: “Congratulations to all at Robert Mellors. I am delighted that the inspectors recognised how hard Emma and her team have worked to ‘Make a Difference’ day in and day out, to the lives of all their pupils. The rating they received was not just a ‘Good’ but a strong ‘Good’, and in some areas was very close to outstanding.”
Robert Mellors Primary Academy became part of the Redhill Academy Trust in May 2018. When its predecessor school, Robert Mellors Primary and Nursery School, was last inspected by Ofsted, it was judged to be 'good' overall.
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