'A caring environment where pupils feel safe, happy and included' - Ofsted verdict on Telford primary

The education watchdog has published the findings of its visit to Priorslee Academy.

Four of the categories assessed were rated as meeting the “expected standard” - including attendance and behaviour, early years, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing.

Three areas were detailed as “needs attention” - including achievement, curriculum and teaching, and inclusion.

Inspectors said that safeguarding standards at the school are met, adding: “Pupils are made safer and feel safe.”

Detailing its findings for personal development and wellbeing the report says: “Staff create a caring environment where pupils feel safe, happy and included.”

It added: “A broad range of opportunities help to build pupils' confidence and develop a sense of responsibility.”

The report praises the impact of the school’s new leadership, specifically the Head of School Jodie Cooper and Acting Chief Executive Ian Hunt.

It states: “The head of school and the acting chief executive officer know the school well.

“Following changes in school and trust leadership and governance, they have provided clarity and stability during a period of significant transition.”

It adds: “Leaders' actions have improved pupils' experience in several key areas. Reading is taught well. Pupils learn to read confidently. Mathematics teaching has improved and pupils are increasingly securing important knowledge.

“Improved attendance systems mean pupils attend regularly. Changes to behaviour support and pastoral care have reduced suspensions. Leaders recognise that teaching and the wider curriculum are not yet consistent. Actions to address this are underway.”

For early years findings the report states: “Leaders have strengthened all aspects of early years provision. Leaders identify priorities accurately and provide effective support and training for staff. As a result, teaching is becoming more consistent and more children than previously are acquiring the knowledge and skills they need for Year 1.

“The curriculum is ambitious and carefully sequenced.”

The report does address areas that need improvement - and says leaders have already taken action.

On achievement it states: “Pupils, including disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities do not achieve as well as they should in some subjects across the wider curriculum.

“As a result, some pupils are not fully prepared for the next steps of their education. Pupils do not consistently develop sufficient depth of knowledge and struggle to recall prior learning.

“Leaders have begun to refine the wider curriculum to address these weaknesses. However, it is too soon to see the full impact of these changes.

“Progress in writing is inconsistent. Although leaders' actions are starting to strengthen writing, too many pupils produce work that is not of a high quality because of weaknesses in handwriting and spelling. In contrast, pupils read fluently and make steady progress in mathematics.”

On curriculum and teaching the report found: “The quality of teaching is too variable, particularly in the wider curriculum. As a result, not all pupils secure the knowledge they need for future learning. Leaders recognise this and are taking appropriate action to strengthen both the curriculum and the quality of teaching.”

Jodie Cooper, who has been headteacher at the school since 2020, welcomed the findings and said the school is looking to build on its work so far.

She said: “We are incredibly proud of our children, staff and wider school community. The report recognises the caring, inclusive and welcoming environment we have worked hard to create and reflects the positive experiences of our pupils.

“This year has seen significant improvements across the school and we are excited to continue building on this momentum. We remain fully committed to providing the very best education for every child and ensuring that all pupils flourish both academically and personally.

“It is a privilege to be part of such a wonderful school community and we are delighted that so many of our strengths have been recognised in this report.”