Yahoo News The outstanding North Staffordshire school where kids 'flourish' and staff are 'a family'
A North Staffordshire school where children "reach their full potential" and parents describe the close-knit teaching staff as "a family" has been praised by inspectors. Ofsted has rated The Meadows Primary School, in Madeley Heath, as 'outstanding' following its latest visit.
The two-day inspection took place at the Newcastle Road school back in February. It was the first full inspection since The Meadows converted to academy status back in 2017.
The school, now part of The Shaw Education Trust, was previously rated 'good' back in June 2014. The recently-published Ofsted report states: "The Meadows is an exceptional school where pupils flourish both in their learning and socially. Staff work together very successfully so that pupils reach their full potential.
"There is a rich and ambitious curriculum. It ensures that pupils develop detailed knowledge and understanding over time in all subjects. Pupils develop into articulate, confident individuals who are remarkably well prepared for the challenges of the next stage of their education. The school nurtures the talents and interests pupils have. The school ensures that very well-planned visits and clubs meet the needs of pupils.
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"Pupils’ behaviour and attitudes towards their learning and each other are excellent. They work hard, they are keen to learn, and they support each other well. Pupils are very well supported to understand and control their emotions. They are encouraged to reflect and learn from their behaviour.
"The school’s motto of ‘learning by caring and sharing’ is lived and breathed. This is a school very much at the heart of its community. One parent’s comment was typical of many when they stated: ‘My child has absolutely flourished at The Meadows with a team of teachers who obviously share a bond more akin to a family than simply colleagues’."
It adds: "The school ensures that pupils with SEND, or those who have additional needs due to their emotional needs, benefit from high-quality support. Staff are skilled in identifying the needs of pupils with SEND. Pupils and their parents value the support that staff provide. Pupils throughout the school are helped to overcome any barriers that they face. They are justifiably proud of their achievements.
"Staff know that leaders listen to their views and consider their workload. Staff appreciate this and value the extensive professional development they receive and the support they get from the trust."
Headteacher Emma Osei-Kuffour said: "Our recent ‘Outstanding’ grade is a wonderful recognition of the journey of improvement the school has been on since we were deemed to be ‘Good’ in our last graded inspection. I am delighted that the hard work and dedication of our incredible staff and the invaluable support of our trust has been recognised in this report, which I feel is a true reflection of our phenomenal school community, one that I am privileged to be a part of.
"I am also proud of our passionate, articulate and reflective pupils, who care about their learning and about supporting one another too. The report celebrates our relentless commitment to enabling all our children to be successful, both personally and academically. We do this by providing them with an innovative, inspiring and inclusive curriculum where all learners can flourish and feel a sense of belonging.
"The report also emphasises the importance of the strong relationships we have all fostered, including with our families, and our commitment to working in partnership because we know that this will have a transforming impact on the lives of our pupils."
