A Hartlepool primary school has received praise from Ofsted following a recent inspection.
Inspectors visited Barnard Grove Primary School on 5/6 November 2024 as part of Ofsted’s national programme of school inspection.
The Ofsted report says that the school has taken effective action to maintain the standards set at the previous inspection when it was judged to be “good”.
The report states: “Pupils are proud to attend Barnard Grove Primary School. They feel happy, safe and valued here. Parents explain that the school feels like a family. This is reflected in the warm relationships between staff and pupils. Pupils are keen to make their teachers proud. They work hard and achieve well.
“The school has high expectations that are clearly summed up in their school values of ‘ready, respectful, safe and kind’. Pupils understand and live these values. Pupils are taught how to behave well. They recognise this as the ‘Barnard Grove way’.
“Pupils’ school experience is enriched by a range of trips and visits. Many pupils also enjoy taking part in a wide range of extra-curricular sporting clubs and competitions.”
The report, which has been sent to all parents/carers, adds: “Pupils achieve well at Barnard Grove. From their arrival, pupils begin learning important foundational knowledge quickly.
“The school has an ambitious wider curriculum in place. It has been designed to make sure that pupils learn about their own community as well as the world beyond.
“Pupils are keen to learn and engage in lessons. They are confident to share their ideas and happy to give things a go.
“The school is an inclusive community and staff have been well trained to identify pupils who may have SEND (Special educational needs and disability).
“Pupils across school are kind to each other. Across the inspection, older pupils were seen helping and playing with younger pupils. Pupils know what bullying is and explain that it is taken very seriously in school. They are confident that teachers would sort it out quickly.”
Leadership also comes in for praise at the school.
“Leaders have an accurate view of the school’s strengths and areas for further development. Staff and parents explain that leaders are visible and willing to listen. Staff feel well supported in school. Staff, pupils and families are proud to be part of this school community,” says the report.
Headteacher Lee Walker commented: “This is a very pleasing report. It highlights many of the positive aspects of the Barnard Grove school community where everyone works very closely together to do the very best for our children.”
Barnard Grove is home to 285 pupils between the age of three and 11 and is one of ten schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.
Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “This is a very positive report, and I would like to congratulate everyone for ensuring that the high standards at Barnard Grove are being maintained.”
Ofsted’s Lead Inspector for the visit was Katie Spurr.
There are some child places available in certain year groups. For further information, call the school on 01429 230300.
The other primary schools within Ad Astra are Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees, Ayresome and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough and Deaf Hill and Kelloe in Durham.
Please click on the link below to view the full Ofsted report.