Ofsted says Bilsthorpe Flying High Academy, is a good school with ‘high aspirations’ for all its pupils

Ofsted say Bilsthorpe Flying High Academy is a good school following their recent inspection.

Inspectors said the school is inclusive and caring with ‘high aspirations for all pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, to achieve the best possible outcomes.’

‘…a supportive oasis…’

Pupils feel safe and happy said inspectors, commenting that children ‘… regard the school as a supportive oasis where they can talk to any of the adults and voice any concerns or worries they may have. One pupil shared, ‘I love this school because you get high-quality lessons and also loads of help if you are struggling with anything in your learning, mentally, or your home life.’

Samantha Leek is Head teacher at the school based on Crompton Road, Bilsthorpe and she said, “We are delighted with the report which reflects all of the wonderful attributes we nurture and promote at Bilsthorpe Flying High Academy. We pride ourselves on educating and supporting the whole child, and the inspectors highlighted not only the academic achievements of our pupils, but also the environment we foster to ensure children’s happiness and wellbeing.

“Our children were amazing throughout the inspection. They demonstrated all of our values to the visiting inspectors and their families should be so proud of them. I’d like to say a huge thank you to staff for their efforts and to all of our children and their supportive families. You have made all of us all so proud!”

The report says that children value the school’s strong community feel and that relationships are at the heart of everything the school does. Relationships between staff and children are described as ‘warm and nurturing’ in the report.

Inspectors said that pupils understand the school’s values of pride, confidence, aspiration, responsibility, enjoyment, creativity and perseverance, -consistently demonstrating these values in their relationships with each other and how they approach their learning.

In early years the report says children get off to a strong start commenting, ‘Staff have very high expectations. Relationships between staff and children are warm and nurturing. The environment is carefully planned. Children can practise their learning and embed new skills. Children access high-quality outdoor equipment. This helps them to develop their gross motor skills. Staff model new vocabulary and encourage children to speak in full sentences. When children are following their own interests and exploring through play, staff capture learning in the moment. They interact skilfully with children without interrupting learning. Children are very well prepared for key stage 1.’

The school is recognised for making reading a priority and promoting reading for pleasure amongst pupils. Staff read to pupils daily and children are exposed to a ‘…well-sequenced range of high-quality texts.’

The mathematics curriculum is described as ‘ambitious’ stating, ‘Pupils are encouraged to explain their mathematical thinking in full sentences, using appropriate vocabulary. They have the opportunity to think at a deeper level and use and apply their learning in a range of problem-solving contexts. The school gives pupils the chance to experience mathematics outside of lessons and learn about different career paths that involve the subject.’

‘Pupils achieve well at this school,’ said inspectors. ‘They make strong progress and are encouraged to aspire to do their best. In lessons, pupils’ levels of engagement are consistently high. They listen intently and are eager to do their very best.’

Subjects in the wider curriculum are described as equally ambitious, often going beyond the expectations of the National Curriculum.

Children were found to be well prepared for life in modern Britain, showing they know how to keep themselves safe, including online. Inspectors said, ‘They have a mature understanding of diversity and the importance of equality. As one pupil explained, ‘It is important to be respectful of difference. We can all have different opinions. We do not have to agree but we can still be nice to each other.’

Staff at the school said they feel well supported and have access to high quality professional development. Safeguarding is effective at the school and the Governing body and trust board work together and communicate effectively.

Photograph: Bilsthorpe Flying High Academy children with Samantha Leek, Headteacher.