Positive report for Belfield Primary School

Photo of Belfield Primary School

The school that become the first community primary in the country has received a positive report from its recent Ofsted inspection. Belfield Primary in Rochdale became the first community primary in the country when it opened in 1973.

In their report, inspectors confirmed that many children come from disadvantaged background, and that school gives them a sound quality of education with more than half the teaching being good or better. The children enjoy coming to school and have good attitudes to their work.

Inspectors noted the good ethos in the school, with good relationships at all levels, and pupils well cared for and valued by staff. The school makes good provision for Foundation stage children for those who have English as their second language and for children with special educational needs.

It was noted that standards are improving in Maths and Science and pupil's achievement overall is satisfactory. Children whose second language is English make speedy progress. The report further stated that the Headteacher provides good leadership and is well supported by key staff.

The main improvements required will be to raise standards in English, Maths and ICT throughout the school, and for science in the juniors. Assessment will be improved across subjects to allow better planning for the pupils' work.

Headteacher Mrs Irene Maguire said, "We are delighted with the findings, which confirm our own judgements. As a whole school we celebrate the good news and welcome the positive picture the report paints." "It recognises the commitment of all school staff and parents in the education and welfare of its children many of whom are now second generation with parents having also attended and in some cases been taught by the same teachers." "The action points highlighted in the report had already been recognised and form the priorities in our School Improvement Plan."