Strand Primary Academy is a ‘GOOD’ school with ‘OUTSTANDING’ leadership!
Staff, pupils and parents were thrilled to hear that their school is now rated ‘good’, with ‘outstanding’ leadership and management, following a recent OFSTED visit. Inspectors noted that “leaders, at all levels, are exceptionally effective” with improvement having taken place at a “remarkable pace.”
Inspectors found that the curriculum throughout all year groups had been planned well with “clear structure” and an “ambitious and sequential” nature, with increasing complexity in lessons for older pupils. It is also apparent that SEND pupils engage in the same, “rich curriculum”, as their peers with lessons “tailored to meet their specific needs”.
Reading and phonics are a high priority which is clearly shown by “books presented at every opportunity”. Delta has developed a reading strategy to ensure pupils of all ages are being exposed to rich and varied vocabulary. Evidence of this being implemented effectively at Strand is clear, in particular in Early Years staff, who “recognise the particular importance of quickly developing younger pupils’ vocabulary”.
The Strand rose to the challenge of delivering remote learning and Inspectors reported that any lesson that needed to be taught remotely was “as close as possible to the one being taught in school”. They also commented that pupils were prepared for any instances of remote learning and confident in managing this.
Children at The Strand benefit from a wide range of enrichment activities, with exciting new opportunities such as a residential experience at Dallowgill, Delta’s Outdoor Environmental Centre, and a Junior DofE-like award, planned for the new academic year.
Laura Snow, Head of Academy, commented:
“There are so many wonderful elements to the report, and it reflects the exceptional work of the leaders, teachers, children and the whole Strand community. We are a small school; many teachers and support staff take on vital roles to ensure children receive a good quality of education. To see their leadership recognised as outstanding is truly wonderful and thoroughly deserved. I am honoured to work with such a fantastic, talented team of professionals. I am incredibly proud of all our children, who make the academy the wonderful place it is. Celebrating this success epitomises our motto, ‘together we are stronger’, because together we are a GOOD school!”
Katie Wheeler, Assistant Principal, shares:
“I am so proud to be part of such a wonderful team and the outcome of the Ofsted report is an enormous reflection on all the hard work that all the staff and pupils have put in to make Strand Primary Academy such a wonderful place to learn and to work.”
Paul Tarn, CEO, sent his congratulations to Strand Primary Academy. “Staff have worked extremely hard and are deserving of this recognition. I am delighted to see all their efforts have paid off, and Ofsted have acknowledged their accomplishments.”
The full report can be read here: Ofsted | Strand Primary Academy