Bankfoot Primary School told it needs to improve by Ofsted

Bankfoot Primary School, in Bolingbroke Street, Bradford, received the result in its first Ofsted inspection in six years.

The setting – which caters for 274 pupils between the ages of three and 11 – was visited between June 21 and 23 this year.

It was graded Requires Improvement in all but one category, receiving Good for behaviour and attitudes.

Inspectors found pupils at the school do not develop their understanding of other world faiths, fundamental British values, or about the similarities and differences between different groups of people.

This is because some subjects are poorly planned and developed, and even though students have the chance to visit places of worship, leaders do not make sure the trips educate pupils in these areas.

Early years is also an issue at the school.

The report states: “Some of the early years curriculum is not planned or delivered effectively to make sure that these children are ready for Year 1.”

Bullying does happen at the school but leaders deal with this quickly and pupils show politeness and respect to each other and adults.

A spokesperson for Bankfoot said the school is “extremely disappointed” with the outcome but raised major concerns about the inspection.

This included claiming it started out as a Section 8 inspection (ungraded) but that the school was told at 5.30pm on day one that it would convert to a full Section 5 inspection (where ratings can change).

The spokesperson said: “These have been raised with Ofsted to no avail. We are flabbergasted. We agree with sentiments from other schools as noted in the press today regarding their experience of recent inspections.

“We are also disappointed with the delay in receiving the draft report, the delay in responding to our concerns, and the delay in receiving the final report. It has been quite extraordinary.”

They added: “Very few in the school community recognise the school based on much of the report.

“We are nevertheless pleased that the inspectors reported that the children are safe and happy, and that reading is a strength of the school. Safeguarding is effective, and children behave well. That we do recognise.

“We acknowledge the areas for improvement. They are well within our reach. We will and can be more rigorous. We have already refined many of our plans and practices, as a result of our own monitoring prior to the inspection.

“We are the same leadership and staff team who achieved Outstanding during the previous inspection.

“Even though frameworks and inspection methodology change, our skill set, ambition, and drive for the school remains very much intact.

“We will use the recommendations as stepping stones for improvements so we are able to be the best school we can be.”