Weston primary school rated 'outstanding'

Ofsted inspectors have rated Mead Vale Primary School in Weston- super-Mare as outstanding for the second time running.

The school in Kestrel Drive, Worle, was inspected by Stephen McShane on June 24 and 25, where he awarded the overall rating.

During the last inspection three years ago the school was also graded as outstanding, demonstrating standards have not slipped.

Mr McShane said: "Mead Vale is an outstanding school where, due to the commitment of the head teacher and his staff, pupils attain high standards and are cared for very well.

"In this harmonious and welcoming community, pupils' attitude to learning and behaviour are exemplary.

"Mead Vale has worked very hard since its last inspection to ensure that it is always improving.

"It has continued its excellent work with a wide rang of partners, including supporting other schools.

"Its staff and governors have remained strongly committed to raising the attainment of every individual pupil, constantly adapting and improving its provision so that all pupils can achieve to their full potential, whatever their background, gender, religion or culture."

According to the report, pupils enter the school with below-average attainment and leave with significantly above-average attainment, having made good and often outstanding progress.

The report adds that for a number of years, pupils' achievement in maths and science has been as good the highest performing schools in the country.

Mr McShane says following careful school improvement work, this is now also the case in English as well.

Lessons are good and some are excellent or have outstanding features, a few are just satisfactory.

The report also states that the school is exceptionally well run and organised.

Mr McShane said: "The head teacher and his leadership team are extremely ambitious for all pupils.

"The very positive outcomes for all pupils demonstrate the school's outstanding work in promoting equality and tackling discrimination.

"The impressive staff morale, their outstanding commitment, the extensive monitoring and very clear direction from the head teacher ensures that the school is continually improving."

Head teacher Jeffrey Bateson-Winn was delighted with the report.

He said: "The governors and I are delighted that the continued hard work of all staff and pupils is reflected in us achieving an 'outstanding' grade again.

"This is particularly pleasing because the inspection was a pilot for the new, more rigorous, inspections which all schools will have from September."

To improve further the school must ensure that pupils extend and improve their own learning and progress by providing more consistent opportunities to work in pairs, in groups and independently.

It must also provide more opportunities for pupils to discuss their learning with each other and actively participate in their lessons.