Good Ofsted for Francis Baily

Inspectors report quality of teaching improved and good progress made by pupils in core subjects

FRANCIS Baily Primary School is celebrating after receiving a good rating from Ofsted.

Ofsted awarded the rating across all five inspection categories at the Skillman Drive school following a two-day inspection in June.

The school was judged as requiring improvement in 2014 but has bounced back to its good rating at the first inspection since.

Inspectors said that this was down to strong and ambitious leaders securing the necessary improvements outlined in 2014.

Ofsted said that the quality of teaching had improved and that pupils’ outcomes had improved steadily since the last inspection.

Indeed, they had made good progress in reading, writing and mathematics.

Children were found to be polite and welcoming and eager to explain their learning and share ideas.

Strong questioning from teachers had enabled pupils to reflect and reason; leading to a greater understanding of the subject.

Headteacher Chris Davis said: “I’m delighted that the hard work and commitment of staff, both current and those that have left in the last few years, has culminated in our return to this ‘good’ Ofsted rating.

“We could not have achieved this without the support of the whole school community and particularly the governors and parents who have supported and encouraged our improvement.

“I’m proud that the report recognises the strength of the relationship between adults and children at the school.

“We will celebrate this achievement and then carry on the drive to improve further to ensure that learning is at the centre of everything we do, not forgetting to have fun in the process.”

The school was not rated outstanding because writing across the curriculum was not judged to be consistently strong, with boys falling behind girls.

However, inspectors noted that the school had put in measures to address this deficit.

Not enough teaching was rated outstanding with few teachers ensuring that the presentation of work was to a high enough standard.

Ofsted said that West Berkshire Council had provided good support to the school.

West Berkshire Council’s executive for education, Dominic Boeck (Con, Aldermaston), said: “It’s excellent to hear that the school has bounced back and returned to a ‘good’ rating at the first opportunity.

"This will have been the result of much hard work over the past two years and I congratulate everyone who has been involved.

“Education is such an important part of growing up so I was particularly pleased to see that pupils enjoy coming to school, are interested in their work and eager to share their learning and ideas.

"I’m heartened that such a positive attitude has been noted and am sure it bodes well for the future of the school.”