Bowlee Park Primary school maintains 'Outstanding' Ofsted grade with glowing report

A Middleton primary school is celebrating, after maintaining its 'Outstanding' Ofsted grade at a recent inspection.

Bowlee Park Primary School has been rated 'Outstanding' once again by Ofsted inspectors after an inspection in November. It was previously rated as 'Outstanding' in March 2010.

The school was rated ‘Outstanding’ in all areas: the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and its early years provision.

The glowing report, published in December, states that: “From the moment they join Bowlee Park, pupils experience an exceptional education. The school ensures that there are no barriers to what they can achieve.”

It said pupils are “happy and safe” and “thrive in the supportive environment that this school provides. They feel included, loved and respected by staff. In turn, they demonstrate these qualities to each other.”

Inspectors found that “regardless of their starting points, pupils achieve exceptionally well,” adding that: “They excel in their learning.”

Pupils of all ages, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve “the best possible outcomes.” Children with SEND “flourish” at Bowlee, inspectors said, with staff “adept at identifying” their needs with “clear communication between the school, parents and carers and a wide range of professionals.”

Pupils were also praised for their “exemplary” behaviour, noting that they “live and breathe the school’s values and routines” and are encouraged to “discover a diverse range of new interests and talents.”

The report also notes that “pupils read accurately and fluently by the end of key stage 1. Staff ensure that pupils who find reading more difficult receive frequent individual help for as long as they need it. This ensures that they can catch up to their peers.

“Older pupils enjoy reading and read often. The school ensures that they are immersed in high-quality texts throughout the curriculum. Over time, this helps pupils to develop an impressive vocabulary, which they use to confidently articulate what they have learned.”

The report also identifies strong support for pupils’ personal development, praising the staff who have “woven together a broad, rich set of opportunities into their ‘experience passports’.”

Examples given included the successful lobbying of councillors by key stage 2 students to improve pedestrian safety around the school.

The report goes on to say: “These experiences, and many more besides, ensure that pupils are fully prepared for life in modern society” with Year 6 pupils “more than ready” for high school.

Ofsted inspectors praised the school's leadership: “Governors, leaders and staff are united in their vision for the school.

“They have made certain that all pupils benefit from a curriculum that connects ambitious knowledge with rich social and cultural experiences. Across the entire curriculum, including in the early years, leaders’ attention to detail is meticulous.”

Bowlee Park was also praised for considering the “workload and well-being of staff when making decisions” with staff valuing emphasis on professional development. Staff told inspectors they were “tremendously proud to work here.”

Headteacher Aleks Hartshorne praised the work of the school community: "We are very proud of the feedback provided by Ofsted.

“It reflects a significant team effort and strong partnership working. I would like to thank all pupils, staff, parents/carers and governors for their ongoing hard work and support for our school as we continue to provide outstanding education for the children of Bowlee Park."