Blacklow Brow Primary School in Huyton, part of The Dean Trust, has received a “Strong Standard” outcome following their recent Ofsted inspection.
Strong standard ratings were received for Achievement; Attendance and behaviour; Curriculum and teaching; Early Years; Inclusion; Leadership and governance; and Personal development and wellbeing.
Jane O’Brien, CEO of the Trust said “We are delighted that this wonderful school has received full recognition for its outstanding work. We are so proud of all our staff and children.”
Inspectors noted that:-
- Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and disadvantaged pupils, achieve well across a range of subjects.
- Pupils are academically, socially and emotionally ready for new challenges and approach future experiences with resilience and self-assurance.
- Pupils’ attainment in reading, writing and mathematics is above the national average by the end of Year 6.
- Pupils’ attendance rates are consistently high.
- Leaders ensure that the curriculum is ambitious, broad and carefully designed.
- Learning is organised in a clear sequence from the Nursery Year to Year 6.
- Vocabulary is taught explicitly, enabling pupils to communicate fluently and confidently across all areas of learning.
- Teaching is high quality. Staff have deep subject knowledge and understand how to adapt activities to meet all pupils’ needs, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Lessons are engaging and carefully designed.
- The early years at Blacklow Brow is well organised and carefully designed to give children strong foundations for learning.
- Children in the Reception Year secure early reading and writing skills and staff provide high-quality support for early mathematical understanding, fine motor development and physical skills, enabling children to access activities with independence.
- Children leave the early years well prepared for Year 1, ready to continue learning with confidence.
- Leaders make sure that every pupil is valued and supported.
- Pupils develop confidence and thrive socially and academically.
- The school is a welcoming and inclusive community where every pupil can succeed and be themselves.
- Leadership at Blacklow Brow is highly effective and focused on achieving the best outcomes for all pupils. Governance is effective too.
- Leaders and governors make decisions firmly in pupils’ best interests. Their work drives sustained, well-established improvements across the school.
- Leaders at Blacklow Brow provide a rich personal development offer that equips pupils with the knowledge, skills and confidence to thrive beyond school.
- Pupils at Blacklow Brow achieve very well and approach learning with enthusiasm. They are attentive, motivated and eager to succeed.
- Beyond academic learning, pupils leave the school confident, articulate and ready to thrive in all areas of life.
Executive Headteacher, Damian Kenny was especially pleased with these comments from the report which he feels reflect the school’s strengths accurately. He said “Every pupil is known, valued and supported to flourish academically, socially and personally.”
“Pupils leave the school confident, articulate and ready to thrive in all areas of life.
“Leadership is highly effective and focused on achieving the best outcomes for all pupils.”
Gary Latham, Head of School, stated what stood out most to inspectors was the culture across the school – calm classrooms, high expectations and pupils who are ready to learn and proud of their school. A parent in feedback to the Ofsted Inspectors described the school as “a hidden gem”.