STAFF at a school previously told it ‘requires improvement’ have gone ‘over and above’ to support their children and their families throughout the pandemic.
That’s according to Ofsted, the schools watchdog, following a remote inspection of Harmans Water Primary School in January.
The school, based at Wellington Drive in Bracknell, was told it required improvement three times between June 2013 and July 2018.
As a result of this, the school is subject to regular remote ‘monitoring visits’ as full inspections cannot take place in lockdown.
READ MORE: Harmans Water Primary School makes improvements following 'requires improvement' rating
After talking to staff and students about the school’s support for youngsters during the pandemic, the Ofsted inspector found leaders at Harmans Water were taking ‘effective action to provide education’ throughout lockdown.
They also found:
- Teachers were ‘going to great lengths’ to provide ‘interesting, enjoyable and balanced education’
- The school has gone ‘over and above’ to support pupils and their families, including providing technology equipment to aid remote learning and setting up a foodbank
- Staff have created videos and hold individual calls for pupils who may be struggling with the technological side of home learning and have also carried out regular welfare checks for pupils
- Teachers have made ‘sensible choices’ about what subjects are taught and when, with staff choosing to teach fractions later in the school year when pupils return to the classroom and they can receive extra help.
READ MORE: The 18 hectares of land in Harmans Water saved from hundreds of homes
- Other subjects, such as clay work in art, have been postponed because ‘not everyone would have access to the materials needed’.
- Reading work has been prioritised, with school leaders continually developing this area of learning.
- Teachers are ‘thinking carefully’ about pupils with special educational needs, providing different tasks where appropriate to help those with SEND be successful.
The school was praised by parents when the News asked to hear stories of the amazing work local teachers have done during lockdown.
One mum, Hayley, told the News: "Harmans water have been amazing! Clear instructions, live classes and a really good online learning system. All whilst they’ve still had children in the school."
Bracknell Forest Council was also praised in Ofsted's report for continuing to regularly monitor the progress of the school since its last inspection.
READ MORE: Controversial plan to build phone mast in Harmans Water refused
Since lockdown was first introduced in England in March 2020, BFC has contacted the school weekly to check on provision for pupils and the welfare of leaders.
Ofsted’s monitoring visit report was published on Thursday, March 11.
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