'We know that their love of learning and determination to achieve developed from their time at Abbey School.'
Peter & Theresa Rogers
Ofsted Inspection
This was a light touch inspection which focused principally on the quality of education provided by the school; its provision for the pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development; the arrangements for safeguarding pupils and the improvements the school has made since its last inspection.
We are thrilled to share with you some highlights from our excellent May 2010 OFSTED inspection:
About the school: Abbey School meets its aims and provides a good standard of education and good arrangements for pupils’ safeguarding and care.
Pupils are prepared well for their future lives because of their achievements in learning as well as the development of their social skills.
About the curriculum : The quality of the curriculum is good from the Early Years Foundation Stage onwards and enables all pupils to make good progress in their learning.
The broader curriculum is enriched by an extensive range of clubs and societies that
take place after school hours. These offer varied activities, such as sporting and
performing arts, and, for example, tuition in signing that enables pupils to
communicate with those who are hearing impaired. These activities, alongside an
effective programme for personal, social and health education, help pupils become
confident and mature young people. They show a good awareness of others as well
as the needs they have as individuals in terms of healthy living.
About the welfare, health and safety of the pupils: Between starting in
the Early Years Foundation Stage and the time pupils leave the school, they have
developed into well-rounded individuals who have a balanced view of their world and
who are ready to face the challenges of the next phase of their education.
About the pupils : A majority of pupils attain high levels in the national standardised tests within the core subjects of English, mathematics and science.
By the time they leave the school, the majority of pupils successfully gain entry to their chosen secondary school.
Pupils enjoy being at the school and attendance levels are high. Incidents of
unauthorised absences are negligible. In lessons, pupils are enthusiastic and they
develop good attitudes to their work.
About the teaching : Teachers, unfailingly, are sensitive to difficulties pupils may experience and are consistently on hand to provide additional support. Teachers’ questioning is a common strength in all lessons, but in the best lessons, all pupils are encouraged to offer their responses, and their replies are often used as the starting point for the development of greater understanding.
About the nursery : The provision, outcomes and overall effectiveness of the Early Years Foundation Stage are good. Staff providing pre- and after-school services show good levels of care for children. Children from the very youngest age arrive confidently and are met with a warm personal welcome from staff and, as a result, settle comfortably.
Staff have good relationships with children of all ages and this results in the children
making good gains in personal and social development.