A south Bristol primary school is celebrating a glowing report from the education watchdog Ofsted.
Three inspectors who visited Four Acres Academy in Withywood for two days in October judged it to be Good overall and said its provision for pupils’ personal development through ‘an impressive range of experiences’ was Outstanding.
The school, which has 448 pupils aged two to 11, became an academy in 2015 and is now part of Futura Learning Partnership.
In its report, which has just been published, the Ofsted team had high praise for the staff at Four Acres, who they said were very caring, patient and kind, and built positive, respectful relationships with children.
‘The school’s values of ‘respect, confidence, resilience, independence and articulate’ are used to support pupils exceptionally well. Pupils feel safe and happy. They flourish at the school.
‘Staff have high expectations for every pupil. As a result, pupils achieve well across a range of subjects. Pupils behave well in lessons and around the school.
‘The school has established strong relationships with parents. Parents are overwhelmingly supportive of the school. Many say how staff inspire and go the extra mile for their children.’
The inspectors said learning to read was at the heart of the curriculum, from the very start in nursery, where speaking and listening skills were developed, through reception and beyond with well-taught phonics.
‘Pupils follow an ambitious curriculum. Teachers set out the important knowledge and vocabulary that pupils need to learn. Subject leaders receive extensive training. They help staff to deliver the curriculum effectively.
‘The school weaves highly memorable experiences through the curriculum to enrich pupils’ learning. Pupils praise the wide variety of clubs on offer, including sports, art and music. Pupils say these experiences make their school special.
‘The school celebrates pupils’ understanding of other faiths, cultures and beliefs. Pupils say that they know to value everyone and be kind. They learn to challenge unfairness, should it occur. Older pupils are extremely strong role models of how to act for the good of others. This makes a tangible difference to the school.’
The inspectors noted that the school was taking appropriate action to improve pupils’ attendance but had rightly identified that it wants to make further improvements.
Futura Learning Partnership was also praised. “Trustees fulfil their statutory duties well. The trust and governors are well informed about the school’s strengths and next steps for development. They have the right skills to check the effectiveness of the school’s actions. Senior leaders set high expectations for everyone.”
Ofsted also said the trust should ensure that staff adapted learning consistently so that pupils with special educational needs or disabilities could achieve as well as they should.
Headteacher Matt Cave said he was delighted with the report following the first full inspection of Four Acres in more than a decade.
“I am so grateful for our staff, parents and carers, governors, trustees and trust colleagues, who work together to create a nurturing and aspirational learning environment for the children in the community we serve. I am also hugely proud of our children, who demonstrated to the inspectors that they are flourishing not only academically but as future citizens,” he said.
Futura chief executive, Andrea Arlidge, added, “Congratulations to Four Acres for showing Ofsted the importance of school and trust values. The school is a valued and valuable part of our trust, contributing to and benefiting from our collaborative approach. I am pleased that once again inspectors have recognised the additional strength that Futura provides.”