Torbay primary praised for 'good' learning and care for pupils

A Torbay primary school has been rated good across the board after making major improvements in every area of education and learning.

Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Primary School has been rated good in each of the six areas inspected by the schools standards agency Ofsted.

Parents told the inspectors about the many positive changes there had been in recent years and how they appreciated the care that staff members showed to pupils.

One parent said: "Staff genuinely care about the pupils and their families."

Two senior inspectors visited the Chelston school last term and have now classed the overall effectiveness of Our Lady of the Angels as good as well as the quality of education, leadership and management, behaviour, personal development and Early Years.

Six years ago the school was rated as inadequate and four years ago it was classed as requiring improvement.

Now headteacher Amelia Harding, who took over in 2018, says the goal is to become an outstanding school for its 148 pupils.

"We are all delighted with the verdict of the Ofsted inspectors," she said, "and that is the result of incredibly hard work by all the staff, pupils and governors with the support of our parents.

"But this is no time to rest on our laurels. We are determined to do even better for our children and their families."

In their report, lead inspector Jane Dennis says: "Pupils arrive at school each morning eager to learn. They look forward to finding out what they will learn next.

"Leaders have high expectations for every pupil, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.

"The curriculum is ambitious for all pupils. Teachers skilfully match learning activities to the planned curriculum.

"Pupils show respect for each other. They act in a calm and considerate manner when moving around the building.

"Children in the reception year settle quickly into school routines. Pupils with special needs learn well."

The inspectors say that to improve still further the school needs to ensure that detailed assessment in all subjects enables teachers to spot gaps in pupils' learning and plan subsequent lessons.