Gisburn Primary School, an esteemed educational institution located on Burnley Road in Gisburn, Ribble Valley, has recently received a significant review from Ofsted inspectors. Known for its outstanding status since the last full inspection in 2019, the school has now been informed that it may not be maintaining the highest standards following an ungraded visit. This preliminary feedback from Ofsted has prompted the announcement of a forthcoming comprehensive inspection aimed at re-evaluating the school’s performance.
Despite the raised concerns, the Ofsted report highlighted many positive attributes of Gisburn Primary School. Inspectors commended the school for creating a happy and welcoming environment for its pupils. The report stated, “Pupils are happy at this small and welcoming school. They are well cared for.” This statement underscores the school’s dedication to the well-being and happiness of its students, reflecting the school’s motto, “give them wings so they can fly.” This motto is evidently a guiding principle in the school’s daily operations, where staff support pupils in becoming confident and responsible learners.
The school’s high expectations for academic success were also noted in the report. It was highlighted that most pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), perform well. However, the report did identify some areas where improvements are needed. Inspectors observed that some pupils have gaps in subject-specific vocabulary and knowledge, which can hinder their overall academic progress. This gap indicates a need for a more robust approach to ensuring all students grasp the necessary concepts and terminology across various subjects.
In terms of behavior and social interactions, the report was positive. Inspectors found that children behave well both in class and during breaks, showing respect for each other. This aspect of the school’s environment is crucial in fostering a positive and conducive learning atmosphere. Additionally, the range of extra-curricular activities available at the school, such as the running club and arts and crafts sessions, was praised. These activities are instrumental in helping children develop or discover their talents, contributing to a well-rounded educational experience.
The school’s strong focus on reading was highlighted as a significant positive, along with its emphasis on health and well-being, including online safety education and fostering an understanding of diversity and tolerance. These elements are essential in preparing students for the broader world, ensuring they are not only academically proficient but also socially responsible and aware.
However, the overall curriculum, while described as “ambitious and well thought out,” has areas that require attention. One of the key points raised was the need for more opportunities for pupils to recap and consolidate their learning in a small number of subjects. The report stated, “In a small number of subjects, some pupils have insufficient opportunities to recap and consolidate their learning. At times, gaps in pupils’ knowledge go unchecked. This sometimes makes it difficult for pupils to make connections between their existing knowledge and new learning.”
Another area of concern was the effectiveness of certain activities chosen by staff to deliver the curriculum. Inspectors noted that occasionally, these activities do not support pupils in deepening their knowledge as effectively as they could. “From time to time, the activities that some staff choose to deliver the curriculum do not support pupils to deepen their knowledge as well as they could. Occasionally, this hinders how well some pupils learn, including for pupils with SEND.”
To address these issues, the school has been advised to improve in these areas before the next graded inspection, which is scheduled to take place within the next two years. This provides the school with a clear timeframe to implement the necessary changes and ensure that all pupils are given the best possible opportunities to succeed academically.
The feedback from this ungraded visit serves as both a reminder of the high standards Gisburn Primary School is expected to maintain and a valuable opportunity for the school to refine its educational practices. The leadership and staff at Gisburn Primary School are likely to take this feedback seriously, using it to drive further improvements and ensure that they continue to provide an outstanding education to their pupils.
Gisburn Primary School’s leadership will undoubtedly focus on addressing the identified gaps in knowledge and opportunities for pupils to consolidate their learning. This may involve reviewing and adapting teaching methods, incorporating more frequent assessments to identify gaps early, and providing additional support where needed. Ensuring that activities chosen to deliver the curriculum are effective in deepening pupils’ knowledge will be another critical area of focus. This might include professional development for teachers to enhance their instructional strategies and aligning these strategies with best practices in education.
In summary, while Gisburn Primary School has been acknowledged for its positive environment, high academic expectations, and strong focus on pupil well-being, it also faces challenges in ensuring that all pupils have sufficient opportunities to consolidate their learning and deepen their knowledge. The upcoming full inspection will be a critical moment for the school to demonstrate that it has addressed these issues and continues to operate at an outstanding level. The proactive approach in tackling these challenges will be pivotal in maintaining the school’s esteemed reputation and ensuring that it provides the highest quality education for its pupils.