Following an inspection on 30th June, Downham Feoffees Primary Academy, part of Meridian Trust, is celebrating a highly positive Ofsted Inspection.
The school was assessed under Ofsted’s new inspection framework, which evaluates performance across seven key areas: ‘Achievement’ ‘Attendance and behaviour’, ‘Curriculum’, ‘Early years’, ‘Inclusion’, ‘Leadership and governance’, and ‘Personal development and wellbeing’. Ofsted judged the school to be operating at the ‘Expected Standard’ in all categories, demonstrating its continued commitment to delivering a supportive learning environment for every pupil.
Benita Sherrington, Head of School, said: “I am incredibly proud of the outcome of our Ofsted inspection. This report reflects the hard work of our staff, pupils, governors and wider school community. Together, we create an environment where every child is supported to thrive academically, socially and personally, and we remain committed to delivering the very best education for all pupils.”
Ofsted inspectors recognised the school’s commitment to inclusion, stating, “staff know pupils, and treat them as individuals. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are very well supported to access the curriculum.” This support begins before children start Reception, with leaders “identifying pupils’ barriers for learning effectively” and using this information to “set precise targets for pupils with SEND”. Staff carefully monitor progress and adapt provision to help pupils achieve their targets and enjoy learning.
The report highlights a school where “pupils feel safe and happy”, and good attendance is celebrated. Ofsted recognises the school’s positive approach to attendance, noting that “staff work very closely with families and pupils to identify, and tackle any barriers to regular attendance.” Similarly, this positive culture extends to the teaching staff who are “highly positive” about working at the school, which provides “effective training and opportunities to work with other schools across the trust”.
The report praises the school’s “ambitious and broad” curriculum, and the frequent opportunities pupils have to “revisit and connect prior learning to new learning.” Staff have “secure subject knowledge” and regularly check pupils’ understanding, helping to close gaps and address misconceptions. Reception children follow a “carefully designed” curriculum that gives them a solid foundation for future learning.
Staff work closely with pupils to fulfil the school’s GREAT values. As a result, pupils “conduct themselves well” and “interruptions to learning are rare.” Ofsted praised the “polite” and “respectful” children, who “share and play with each other.” The school offers a variety of clubs such as chess, arts and sports clubs. Ofsted noted that the children “enjoy school trips and other opportunities, including a cultural showcase with other trust schools, a residential, and visits to wildlife parks.”
The school works closely with parents and carers to support every child’s success and “leaders and staff have an ‘open door’ for parents. They work together to identify and address any issues pupils may have.” Ofsted stated how parents “appreciate how leaders have taken very effective steps to listen to and work with them.” Leaders also have a clear understanding of the steps needed to “embed consistently excellent provision across the school”. As a result, “the school has become an important part of the local community.”
Chris Axten-Higgs, Executive Headteacher, added: “We remain firmly committed to building on this progress and continuing to improve the school so that every pupil has the best possible education and opportunities. I would like to thank our Meridian Trust colleagues for their ongoing guidance and support to our school.”
Lesley Birch, Deputy CEO of Meridian Trust, said: “I am so pleased for everyone at Downham Feoffees Primary Academy. This positive Ofsted report is a testament to both the staff and wider school community who work incredibly hard to ensure every child feels known, valued and supported.”
The full report can be found here: https://www.downhamfeoffees.org/ofsted-reports-and-information.