May Park Primary School in Eastville, Bristol, is a happy, inclusive and welcoming school at the heart of the diverse community it serves, according to education watchdog Ofsted during an inspection last November.
In the first since May Park joined Excalibur Academies Trust, praise was in abundance for all members of the school community.
Lead inspector Catherine Beeks writes in her report, ‘Staff care deeply about pupils’ wellbeing. They forge supportive relationships with pupils and their families. Pupils feel safe and trust staff to look after them. The overwhelming majority of parents and carers are happy with the school’s caring, nurturing atmosphere and supportive staff.’
May Park was praised for its priority on reading; this is evidenced with pupils’, ‘fluency, vocabulary and comprehension’. Undoubtedly this has been helped by the inspirational and well-stocked library, which is proudly run by Year 6 students and volunteers from the local community.
May Park’s SEND provision, including its Specialist Resource Base, was commended for its teaching adaptation and pastoral care.
Ofsted acknowledged that the curriculum in early years. ‘is demanding and captures children’s interest. Activities spark children’s curiosity and develop their knowledge and skills well. For example, children develop their fine motor skills effectively through activities such as separating rice and peas with tongs.’
The content for curriculum and teaching for Key Stages 1 and 2 is on an upward trajectory with the design of an ambitious curriculum. Ofsted recognises that, ‘Leaders have identified the knowledge and skills they expect pupils to learn’ and that as the new curriculum is in its infancy, assessment is still being developed.
The school was praised for opportunities it seizes to enrich the curriculum and different cultures, with visits to museums, historical sites and the beach, together with author visits, Somali dancing and Gypsy and Roma cookery.
Gina De N’Yeurt, Principal at May Park Primary School comments: “We have such a wonderful school where each and every individual plays a vital role in making it the respectful and uplifting place it is. This report details what makes May Park so special, as well as providing an excellent foundation from which to further grow and develop.”
Nicky Edmondson, CEO of Excalibur Academies Trust, commented, “This inspection report clearly recognises the commitment, determination and sheer hard work from all of the staff and governors at May Park. Ofsted has recognised that behaviour and attitudes to learning, personal development and early years are the school’s real strengths, which is a testament to their collective care and ambition.”
May Park Primary School has 596 students on roll aged between 3 and 11. The school’s modern, purpose-built buildings and extensive outdoor space offers its children unique opportunities to use their creative minds as they explore the woods, Savannah, field and multi-use games area.