Brightwell School Ofsted Inspection
From an article originally published in The Villager

An Inspector Calls

Brightwell is a good, friendly and caring school with some outstanding features – and that’s official!

Before, it was the ‘brown envelope’ and an anxious wait that could last up to six months. Now, under reformed measures aimed at de-stressing the process, it’s the ‘dreaded phone call’ to announce their arrival the following week. It’s like exchanging being counted out at the end of ten gruelling rounds of boxing for a knockout blow in the first round- they both hurt, but one puts you out of your misery a lot quicker. Yes, the school underwent an inspection by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted), almost four years to the day from its last.

A major difference in the process is that the report (available to the public at www.ofsted.gov.uk) now includes a letter addressed to pupils. In that letter, the Inspector, Mr Christopher Parker, told them, “You go to a good school and are able to learn in a friendly atmosphere where the adults take good care of you. You behave well and listen carefully to each others views”. He added that the children made good progress through teaching that was interesting and lively, encouraging them to discuss important issues such as improving the environment. Further, that the school had made secure improvements since the last inspection, including the wider use of ICT to support teaching and learning. He stated also that over the last few years, standards have been high at the end of year six, with those in science being exceptionally high. His ideas for raising standards in writing, from good to very good were welcomed by teaching staff.

Several aspects of school life received special praise: the “very strong and effective guidance” provided by a governing body that works in close partnership the school and its leaders; the strong partnership with parents; our children’s mature contributions to discussions on religion, environmental conflict, current affairs and their excellent understanding of the importance of staying fit and healthy.

I extend my thanks and gratitude to the whole-school staff, children, parents and governors for their wonderful contribution to our successes. My thanks also go to parent Nicola Lidstone, whose report to the local press forms the basis of this article.

It is a good report and but there is no room for complacency. Already we are planning the improvements that will move our school onwards and upwards.

Roger Grant
Headteacher