Ofsted inspectors have awarded Burntstump Seely Church of England Academy a ‘Good’ rating – with pupils saying teachers ‘always act in their best interests’.
The report describes the Head Teacher ‘as an effective leader’ and that pupils respond well to the school’s values of ‘Confidence, Hope, Understanding, Respect, Community, Honesty’ (CHURCH).
Classrooms are described as having ‘a positive atmosphere for learning’ with teachers planning and delivering ‘interesting lessons that motivate pupils’, within a curriculum that, ‘ensures that pupils successfully develop knowledge, skills and interest in a broad range of subjects as they move through the school.’
Pupils at the school told inspectors that they ‘feel safe in school and know that the staff will listen to them and act in their best interests.’
The report had glowing remarks concerning all children, highlighting that by year 6 they are well prepared for the next stage of their education and that pupils ‘talk with enthusiasm about their work in subjects such as science, history and religious education’.
It added that ‘the skills pupils show in their art and design and in music highlight the good quality of learning in these areas of the curriculum.’
Head Teacher at the school, Heather Gabb, said she is delighted with the inspection result.
She said: “We were thrilled with the overall judgement of Good and especially pleased with so many incredibly positive comments.
“The staff and children all work so hard and make this school a caring and joyful place for children to receive the best educational opportunities on offer. This has been reflected in the fantastic feedback we have received, and we will use this as a springboard to seek out and implement further improvements wherever we can, and with the best interests of children at the heart of all of our decision making.”
Chief Executive Officer of the Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham Multi-Academy Trust, Chris Moodie said, “The inspection report really does capture Burntstump Seely very accurately. It has been a great pleasure to witness the improvements in the academy under Heather Gabb’s leadership.
“The pupils clearly enjoy coming to this wonderful academy – situated in a unique and idyllic setting in a country park. I know that Heather and her team have worked incredibly hard and I also know that they are now looking forward to the future and making Burntstump an outstanding academy.”
The Ofsted report did recommend a number of improvements the school could make.
It said Burntstump should now focus on improving attendance, creating greater challenge to the most able pupils, and raising attainment further with improvements to KS1 & 2 handwriting, spelling, punctuation and grammar skills.