Frenchwood Community Primary School in Preston rated as "Requires Improvement" in latest Ofsted report

Frenchwood Community Primary School in Frenchwood Knoll has failed to meet four out of six key markers of effectiveness, according to a report issued today (September 15).

Read the full report here

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In the report based on visits in June, inspectors comment that: "a considerable number of pupils do not attend school regularly” and “a small number of staff do not routinely put a stop to such low-level misbehaviour. These issues are mirrored in the early years classes, where some children rush around in a precarious manner that some staff do not deal with.”

Early Years

Early Years provision is highlighted several times, with inspectors noting: "Some subject curriculums, and the curriculum in the early years, are not designed well. Consequently, teachers are sometimes unclear about what to teach.”

They go on to say that “A few subject leaders lack expertise” and that in some subjects, “pupils’ achievement is not as strong as it should be. This is also true for children in the early years. This is because leaders have not developed some curriculums well enough to help pupils build their knowledge securely from the nursery class through to Year 6.”

What is the school doing well?

Despite concerns, inspectors also praised the school in several areas.

The report says: “Pupils are well cared for and safe at this nurturing school. They have positive relationships with their teachers and their classmates. “Pupils enjoy the many calming spaces around the school, such as the pods and the secret garden. They also make good use of the allotment area in which they grow fresh produce such as strawberries.”

They praise school leaders for implementing “clear systems” to identify pupils with potential SEND (special educational needs and disabilities).

The report says: “They make sure that these pupils have their needs assessed quickly. Leaders make sure that staff have a clear understanding of how to meet the individual needs of each pupil with SEND.”

They also say: “Leaders promote a love of reading” and that “Leaders provide for pupils’ personal development well. Pupils develop an impressive

knowledge of mental and physical well-being.”

What does the headteacher have to say?

Cathryn Antwis, headteacher of Frenchwood Primary School, said: "Naturally we are disappointed with the overall rating, but we are pleased that we were rated good in the area of personal development.

"Following the inspectors' feedback, we are now reviewing attendance systems and factors that may affect this as a matter of priority as well as addressing concerns over behaviour and curriculum delivery in some subjects.

"However, the Ofsted report did contain much praise, including that safeguarding was effective, and that pupils were 'well cared for and safe,' with 'positive relationships' and 'calming spaces,' while it also noted that bullying was 'rare' and fallings out dealt with speedily and effectively.

"The inspectors found high expectations in some areas and good opportunities for pupils to develop talents and interests through activities like cooking, sports and tournaments. They also said that a love of reading was promoted, with 'carefully considered class novels' and a strong phonics programme in reception, while they also praised support for pupils' personal development and said pupils showed an 'impressive knowledge of mental and physical well-being."

Parents have been kept “fully informed”.