'Good' Ofsted rating for Grove House Primary in Eccleshill

Ofsted inspectors visited Grove House Primary, part of Pennine Academies Yorkshire multi-academy trust, in October.

It saw the school rise up from ‘requires improvement’ - just three years on from becoming an academy.

It received a ‘good’ rating for overall effectiveness, the quality of education, behaviours and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

In one category - early years provision - inspectors found the school to be ‘outstanding’.

The report said: “Grove House Primary is a welcoming school. Leaders have created an inclusive environment where pupils thrive together. Since becoming an academy, the school community has worked together to transform this school. 

“Leaders’ high expectations for pupils’ achievement are beginning to be realised. The new relationships policy has had a positive impact on managing pupils’ behaviour. Pupils are clear about the school’s rewards and look forward to getting a card for the ‘wall of fame’.

“In the early years, children show high levels of self control. Play leaders promote positive play through outdoor play and learning strategies. This leads to a calm environment where pupils feel safe.”

Pupils speak with enthusiasm about the books they choose to read, Ofsted inspectors said (Image: Newsquest, Mike Simmonds)

Ofsted said bullying rarely happens but pupils knew who to talk to about any issues. 

The report added: “The mental health and well-being of pupils in school is a high priority. 

“Where needed, the school organises additional wraparound care and support from external agencies. 

Grove House Primary, pictured (Image: Google Maps)

“The school gives pupils the best chance to be successful. They are happy and well prepared for their next stage of learning and for life in modern Britain.”

The school was praised by inspectors for the opportunities it provides to students - from after school activities and problem-solving tasks to discovering a love for literature. 

They were impressed by the school's reading events, such as ‘a book and a bagel’, which also reaches out to parents and carers.

Inspectors reported “some variation in the school’s use of assessment”, adding that not all teachers used assessments consistently to identify students’ misconceptions in learning.

The report added: “The ambitious curriculum begins in the early years. It is designed to close gaps in children’s knowledge quickly. 

“Children have a positive attitude to learning."

Headteacher Alex Summerscales said the report is "extremely important to all our children, staff and the whole school community". 

She added: "It recognises the huge amount of hard work, dedication and commitment of all our staff and the support of parents and carers.

"One of our children told the inspectors 'our strength lies, not our similarities, but in our differences' and we are very proud to have a truly inclusive school,  where children are enabled to be happy, confident, and successful learners."