A NORTH-EAST primary school is celebrating after receiving a glowing Ofsted report.
Inspectors rated Mount Pleasant Primary School, in Darlington, as ‘outstanding’ for behaviour and attitudes, and ‘good’ for quality of education, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.
The school was rated ‘good’ overall, continuing a track record of steady improvement since the school emerged from special measures eleven years ago.
The report adds: “Pupils thrive at Mount Pleasant Primary School. There is a strong sense of community. Pupils’ behaviour is exceptional.”
Inspectors also praised the school’s provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND).
The report states: “Those pupils with SEND, who learn within the resourced provision, are well supported. As soon as they are ready, pupils have some of their lessons within the mainstream school. This allows all pupils to integrate, share experiences and build relationships. Pupils with SEND, who are taught within mainstream lessons, are equally well supported. Teachers and teaching assistants are extremely well trained.”
Executive Headteacher, Becky Pavey, and Head of School, Jo Blackham, were particularly pleased that the report showed sustained improvement since coming out of special measures in 2011 and in spite of the challenges of the last few years.
Becky said: “Every time we’ve been inspected, we’ve got better and better, and we’re going to keep improving, because we’re on a journey towards achieving an ‘Outstanding’ rating.
Jo added: “All our staff work incredibly hard, have high standards, and strive for the best; if a school isn’t good enough for your own child, then it’s not good enough for anyone’s child – that’s how I judge everything we do. I’m very proud of how far we’ve come.”
James Stroyan, Group Director of People for Darlington Borough Council, wrote in a letter to the school: “I note, in particular, that inspectors recognised the high expectations of leaders and staff for all pupils including those with SEND, the strong sense of community, strong relationships with local families, and exceptional behaviour.”
Nick Blackburn, chief executive of the Lingfield Education Trust, of which Mount Pleasant is a part, said: “This report highlights what a brilliant school Mount Pleasant is. I am immensely proud of the staff, the work they do and of course the wonderful children.
“Lingfield Education Trust prides itself on being inclusive and having high expectations for all of its pupils. The staff at this school embody our values and make an enormous difference to the families in the school.’”