What Ofsted said in March 2023:
We have now received our official Ofsted report from our inspection back in March and I'm so pleased to say that St Barnabas remains a GOOD school. We are really happy with the outcome of the inspection and feel that the report reflects our school family well and celebrates the areas that we have been working on for many years.
We are particularly proud of the following comments as we feel they encapsulate our St Barnabas school family perfectly:
'Pupils, and children in the early years, arrive at school happy and ready to learn. They look forward to the warm welcome that they receive every morning. '
'Leaders ensure that pupils have a wealth of opportunities to develop personally as well as academically.'
'Leaders provide a range of ways for pupils to develop their interests and talents.'
'Pupils enjoy the broad range of sports clubs available and are proud of how well they represent their school in competitions.'
'Leaders have created a strong culture of safeguarding. '
'Pupils feel safe in school and they know that adults in school will support them to look after their mental health and well-being.'
'Leaders have high expectations for pupils, and pupils do their utmost to live up to these. Pupils work hard during lessons and behave well at social times. Pupils recognise the importance of trying their best and how this approach will serve them well in later life.'
'Pupils understand what bullying is and know that they can talk to a trusted adult if they have any concerns. Leaders act swiftly and effectively when incidents of bullying are reported. The systems that leaders have in place ensure that pupils feel well supported
and that friendships are rebuilt.'
'Leaders have made sure that reading is a priority in school to support all pupils to successfully learn the full curriculum. Pupils enjoy listening to their teachers reading to them. They explained that books help them to fill up their ‘happy tanks’.'
'Pupils behave well during lessons and they learn without disruption. They are polite and respectful to one another and adults. Leaders have encouraged pupils to be inquisitive, and pupils communicate with adults well.'
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support during our inspection through either speaking to the inspector or filling in the parent survey. It appears that some of you were so keen to share your views that you filled it in more than once. It is brilliant to hear such great things being said about our school and we thank you for promoting our school through word of mouth to your friends. Our Reception class for this coming September is full again of first choice places, with many parents commenting that they have seen and heard great things about our school and we have waiting lists for several of our classes. I really am proud to lead such a wonderful 'GOOD' school with fantastic, hardworking staff, amazing children and super supportive parents and governors. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued support as we couldn't do what we do, without your support, Mrs Ham
Ofsted Information
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What Ofsted said in 2017:
This is a very happy and caring school. Pupils thrive within a calm and purposeful learning environment.
Effective leadership, high expectations and good-quality teaching in the early years mean that children settle very well into school life and make strong progress.
Leaders offer strong support to help parents make a positive contribution to their children’s learning.
There is a cohesive staff team who are committed to giving all pupils the best possible opportunities.
The school has robust systems in place to safeguard pupils. Pupils’ safety is at the heart of school life.
Teachers are good at using questions to make pupils think deeply about their learning.
Teachers are very skilled in providing activities and organising the learning to enthuse pupils.
Teaching assistants provide valuable support in all classes.
Attainment at the end of key stage 2 has improved in all areas and is above the national average at the expected level.
https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/141483
Ofsted Parent View
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St Barnabas Church Inspection (SIAMS)
What the Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) Inspection Report says:
The inspirational, visionary leadership of the headteacher and senior leaders ensures that the academy’s Christian character makes an outstanding impact on the pupils’ academic achievement.
The behaviour of all pupils is exceptional.
‘Our Christian values are the glue that hold our school together and everyone knows it.’ (Y6 pupil comment).
‘Spiritual development at this school is intrinsic. It really does function like a family.’ (Parent comment) .
Rates of progress throughout are good to outstanding.
Behaviour is exceptional and an extremely calm and purposeful atmosphere permeates the school inside and out.
The support provided by the local church is excellent.
One pupil explained articulately ‘Jesus is the visible God, but God is omnipresent and the Spirit surrounds us all in our lives.’
Teachers have a shared commitment to improving standards.
Inspirational teaching and astute questioning encourage pupils to think deeply about the subject matter and enable them all to achieve, regardless of their ability.
The exceptional subject knowledge of the class teacher ensured all pupils made outstanding progress.
The highly effective, devoted leadership of the headteacher and her deputy provides an extremely clear vision for sustaining the powerful Christian ethos.
The headteacher has made it her priority to know all the school’s families, putting her in the very best position to be able to help and support them, particularly through times of difficulty or crisis.