When Good means Great

Brief reflections on a visit from Ofsted

“The personal, social, health and economic curriculum is exceptional. It is designed to help pupils to become respectful, resilient and kind citizens.”

This is one of my favourite quotes from the new Ferry Lane Primary School Ofsted report. We were inspected in late September and received the final report today. It’s a relief to have it out of the way. When you know it is coming Ofsted casts a big shadow.

During the inspection the role of a governor, even a chair, is small but it’s still an emotional rollercoaster. The call itself, getting updates from the headteacher on how it is going, the interview with the inspector listening to the feedback, and waiting for the report.

In many ways, the report is a wonderful reflection of the work the staff and pupils do every day. We all feel incredibly proud of everyone and of a small school that is the heartbeat of our community in Tottenham Hale.

Yet it is so hard for inspectors to capture everything about the school in less than 500 words, let alone one word. This may change soon and maybe that is for the best. That is a discussion for another day. The inspectors were great. They balanced being warm and firm, in a way that everyone at the school appreciated.

Finally, I’ve been fortunate to work with some amazing people in SEND services over the last two years and have learnt so much from them that has helped in my role as a governor. It has supported me to see how hard staff across the school have worked to ensure we are truly inclusive, the benefits of single-form entry schools for pupils with SEND and to make sure we continue to fund interventions that can make a real difference. I’m so pleased this was recognised in the report:

“The school is ambitious for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Leaders identify pupils quickly and effectively. Teachers use a range of strategies to ensure that pupils with SEND receive the support they need so that they can access the same curriculum as their peers and achieve well. The school provides many positive experiences for pupils with SEND. This includes sessions with Teddy the dog mentor.”