Celebrating Our First Ofsted under the New Framework

This week our Ofsted report was released, sharing the findings of the inspectors visit in January to the academy.

As one of the first schools in Norfolk to be inspected under the new framework, the report identified that the academy had 2 out of 7 areas that met a “Strong standard” and the remaining 5 areas met the “Expected standard”. This is a fantastic achievement for our academy community to be among the first schools in England to experience this new way of being inspected.

The standout areas from the inspection were “Inclusion” and “Personal development and wellbeing”, both of which were rated as having met a “Strong standard”. 

Ofsted found: “This is a highly inclusive school.”

“The school fully includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities in every aspect of school life. Staff work closely with parents and carers and other agencies, including social care, to provide effective, appropriate support.”

Referencing some of the fantastic opportunities that are given to the children at our academy, Ofsted recognised the “11 Before 11” programme that has been in place for the last few years, giving every pupil opportunities to grow outside of their academic lessons and providing “a set of experiences before they leave the school, including a trip to London.”. This aims to build cultural capital in our pupils, broadening their horizons and ambitions, and giving them the confidence they need to thrive as young people.

Ofsted said: “Every pupil has a passport of experiences designed to broaden horizons and increase their awareness of the world around them. Each activity is well placed to link with the curriculum… It prepares pupils well for future learning and life beyond school."

Garry Russon, Principal at Great Yarmouth Primary Academy said:

“I am rightfully proud of the work that we do at GYPA, creating an environment where our pupils feel safe and nurtured. Ensuring that we deliver experiences for our pupils that not only develops ambition but also provides them with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive after they leave our academy is hugely important.

This Ofsted inspection reinforces the fact that we are providing a space where pupils in our care can and will succeed, it spurs us on to look ahead to the future and continue to improve our provision and practice in service of our community. Thank you to all our staff, community and pupils who work incredibly hard.”

Starting from the Nursery all the way up, there is a high level of support available to pupils as they follow the sequenced curriculum and achieve success. There is a real love of learning present, with pupils’ attainment steadily improving.

Ofsted said: “pupils progress successfully from their starting points and achieve well across a range of subjects.”

“Older pupils are able to talk about their learning across the breadth of the curriculum. They develop a deepening understanding of the subjects they learn. The school prepares pupils well for the demands of the next stage of their education”

“Teachers adapt their lessons well. This ensures that pupils can access the curriculum. These strategies help pupils overcome barriers, retain key information and make progress from their various starting points”

We are an academy where pupils feel happy and proud to attend school. Our culture raises standards, encouraging everyone to perform their best. Even though pupils can experience significant and multiple barriers to learning they are supported well by our school and community. By providing experiences outside of the classroom, everyone benefits and as such the school community is strong and a happy place to learn.

Ofsted said:

“Pupils value and celebrate each other’s progress and encourage each other to try their best.”

“Pupils ensure that pupils new to the school feel welcome and a full part of their caring, inclusive community.”

“Leaders have also extended pastoral provision and support. This is leading to improvements in attendance, behaviour and outcomes for all groups in school.”

Read the full report here: Great Yarmouth Primary Academy and Nursery - Open - Find an Inspection Report - Ofsted