Scarborough's Thomas Hinderwell school ‘delighted’ with new Ofsted report
The headteacher at Thomas Hinderwell Primary Academy, part of the David Ross Education Trust’s family of schools, has said she is ‘delighted’ with the school’s latest Ofsted inspection report.
Ofsted has changed the way it reports on school inspections and no longer issues one word judgements. Schools are now graded across a five point scale from ‘exceptional’ to ‘urgent improvement’, with ‘expected standard’ the new benchmark for high-performing schools.
In recent guidance to parents, Ofsted explained that the new inspection gradings cannot be compared to the old terms, and the ‘expected standard’ is the grading for a high-performing school doing everything it should. It is not a term for average, or middle of the scale, but an overall high standard.
Thomas Hinderwell has achieved ‘expected standard’, the high standard for achievement, curriculum and teaching, early years provision and leadership and governance.
The school has achieved an impressive ‘strong standard’ - an even higher grading, for attendance and behaviour and inclusion.
The report authors highlighted that pupils “thrive” and belong to a “warm and inclusive community” and ”are ready to learn”.
Children at Thomas Hinderwell “achieve well, particularly so in reading, English and mathematics” write inspectors, with staff prioritising rapid improvements and a “culture that is highly conducive to learning”.
Chloe Webster, Principal at Thomas Hinderwell Primary Academy said: “I am delighted with our Ofsted report card and so pleased to share such a positive reflection of our school.
“My staff team have worked so hard to ensure that every child can access an excellent education, along with our children and their parents and carers, who have been part of this successful journey too.”
Simon Rose, CEO for David Ross Education Trust said: “This is a brilliant report by Ofsted. I would like to thank Chloe and her team for ensuring that every child benefits from such an inclusive education at school.
“I am especially pleased that Ofsted highlighted how every child feels noticed, included and welcomed at Thomas Hinderwell, and the fantastic progress they make in reading, English and maths.
“Well done to everyone at Thomas Hinderwell.”
School leaders are praised by the inspection team for the “high expectations” they have for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), with staff knowing these children well and ensuring they achieve as well as their peers.
Staff at Thomas Hinderwell were also praised for ensuring every child accesses educational trips and visits, to help broaden their experiences outside of school.