Birley Spa Primary Academy shows marked improvement in latest Ofsted inspection
Birley Spa Primary Academy are celebrating improvements recognised by Ofsted following a recent inspection.
Since the previous inspection before Covid-19, the Sheffield based academy has been on a journey of improvement with four out of five categories moving from requires improvement to good.
Inspectors visited the academy in November 2023 and praised the school as a “positive and supportive place to learn” where “pupils become confident and resilient” while taking “full advantage of the wide range of activities on offer at the school.”
Cathy Gibson, Head of School said:
“The Birley Spa staff team is wholly committed to our wonderful pupils and families. We are delighted that our children have been celebrated as resilient and confident learners. We wish to thank our whole school community, especially pupils, parents, staff and governors for their dedication and commitment, as we continue the next stage of our rapid development journey.”
The academy has worked hard to improve community relationships by involving parents and carers in school events, such as reading workshops and coffee mornings.
Other positive observations by inspectors highlighted in the report included:
The school has a clear phonics programme in place. Pupils practise their reading using books that closely match the sounds that they have learned. Most pupils quickly become fluent readers.”
Our early years provision “gives children a strong start to their time in school” with “the development of children’s language and communication a high priority.”
“There is a well-organised personal, social and health education programme”
“Pupils embrace different ideas and cultures”
“Pupils learn how to be leaders”
“Pupils with SEND are fully involved in all aspects of school life. There is effective support for pupils with SEND, including in the early years.”
Part of the L.E.A.D. Academy Trust since 2017, the Trust and school leaders are committed to continuous improvement towards their pupils’ education and remain focussed and diligent in their efforts to further develop Birley Spa Primary Academy to be recognised as good at the next inspection.