The Brent Primary School, Dartford, has achieved something that very few other schools do; an ‘Outstanding in all areas’ Ofsted report. The Inspection Team, who conducted their visit on 7th and 8th March, released the final report this week, as staff, pupils and parents spent the Easter break eagerly anticipating what the final judgement was to be.
With comments such as, “As a result of highly effective teaching, pupils make outstanding progress, whatever their starting points” and, “The imaginative curriculum thoroughly engages pupils. They enjoy learning and make every effort to do well”, the report is certainly one that the school community is rightly proud of.
Sue Nicholson, Headteacher, said, “We have waited a long time for our school to be recognised. We are a fantastic community of pupils and adults working tirelessly to ensure all our children have the best possible opportunities. As a ‘growth mindset’ school, we work extremely hard because we want everyone to be the best that they can be. We are very proud of our pupils’ academic and personal achievements. The Ofsted Report recognising our school as a special community is the ‘icing on the cake’. An Ofsted inspection is a stressful time in the life of a school. I am very proud of ‘Team Brent’ for their commitment and dedication, over a long period of time, to provide outstanding care, a fantastic curriculum and, therefore, raise standards of teaching and learning at The Brent Primary School.”
Mrs Nicholson went on to say, “The school’s motto of ‘Inspiring Ambition Through learning’ is what drives our staff and pupils. Every day, I am incredibly proud of the friendly and polite culture we have created and how engaged our children are in their learning. We truly have achieved something incredible.”
Mrs Catherine Stafford, Chair of Governors, added, “The Brent Primary School staff go above and beyond in their roles to ensure that the children receive a great start in life. The report reflects the commitment and energy that all of our colleagues bring to the school, and the way in which our pupils thrive within a stimulating school environment.”
The report says that The Brent Primary School is never complacent; this is evident as this outstanding school continues to make the most of every opportunity for its children. As the ‘inspirational leadership of the headteacher’ underpins the strategic direction and the daily life of the school, so ‘highly effective teaching’ and ‘warm and respectful’ relationships between adults and pupils are evident. Currently, building work is taking place to provide an extra-large hall with a climbing wall, as well as extra classrooms, so The Brent’s excellence can be offered to even more pupils in the area over the coming years.