'Urgent improvement' needed to tackle attendance rates at this Leeds primary school - Ofsted report

Ofsted has told a primary school in Leeds to make “urgent improvement” to its attendance rates.

Bramley St Peter's CofE Primary School, located on Hough Lane, received an ‘Urgent improvement’ rating for attendance and behaviour, and a ‘Needs attention’ rating in the categories of achievement, curriculum and teaching, and leadership and governance.

Previously rated as Good under the old grading system during a 2021 inspection, the school received an ‘Expected standard’ rating in the categories of early years, inclusion and personal development and wellbeing.

Inspectors, who visited the school on January 21 this year, said behaviour is typically calm and orderly, but that attendance was a “significant issue.”

“Attendance is a significant issue at the school,” the report said. Pupils' attendance, including for those who are disadvantaged and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, is consistently below national figures.

“The proportion of pupils who are persistently absent from school is also significantly above national figures. The impact of leaders’ actions to improve attendance is inconsistent. As a result, too many pupils continue to miss out on important learning.”

The report further noted that while the school’s curriculum is designed to give pupils the skills and knowledge they need to be successful, there are “some notable inconsistencies” in how effectively the curriculum is taught across the school.

By the end of Year 6, pupils “do not achieve as well as they should,” according to the report, with published outcomes in reading, writing and mathematics said to often be significantly below national figures.

Leaders identify clear priorities for improvement. However, some of the actions that they take are not sufficiently swift or do not lead to demonstrable impact.

Despite these concerns, the education watchdog praised the “inclusive school,” where the gap between the achievement of disadvantaged pupils in school and non-disadvantaged pupils nationally is closing over time, most notably in writing.

Inspectors added: “Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, or those who are disadvantaged, get the opportunities they need to engage with learning and wider school life so that they can be successful.

“Well-trained staff work diligently to identify any barriers that inhibit pupils’ learning. Leaders plan bespoke academic and therapeutic provision for the most vulnerable pupils. They engage closely with external services to further strengthen support for these pupils.”

The school’s approach to promoting pupils' personal development and wellbeing is described as “effective, personalised and appropriate.” This is an entitlement for all pupils. As pupils enter school each morning, 'one life' sessions encourage self-reflection, respect and social skills.

From children's first days in early years, their personal, social and emotional development is a high priority, according to the report. There is also a keen focus on developing children's communication and language skills.

Pupils at Bramley St Peter's offer a warm welcome to visitors and embody the school's values of ‘nurture, discover and respect’. They “usually behave well,” and incidents of bullying are reducing.

“We are extremely proud of some aspects noted within our inspection report,” said Mrs Ruth Esplin, Headteacher. “Our school faces many challenges and we will continue to drive improvements within our school and ensure our provision is the best it can be within the resources we have.

“We will work with His Majesty’s Inspectorate over the coming months and we look forward to them recognising the work we have already undertaken and seeing the impact it has had.”