Ofsted has announced Bridgewater Primary School continues to be an outstanding school following an inspection in May.
Salford City Council has praised the school for their commitment to providing a high standard of all round education to its pupils.
Bridgewater Primary School headteacher Emma Henderson said:
“‘”We are extremely pleased to retain our Outstanding Ofsted rating. The whole school works together with great commitment and dedication to ensure our pupils receive the very best education, care and support. Bridgewater truly is an exceptional place to learn and grow!”
Melissa Caslake, Executive Director of Children’s Services, said:
“Bridgewater Primary School deserves huge congratulations and praise for this achievement. It shows they put the education and welfare of every child at the forefront of everything they do.”
The report said:
“Pupils thrive in this happy, nurturing school. Children in the early years, along with any new pupils across the school, are given a warm welcome. They settle into school life quickly. Relationships between adults and pupils are exceptionally strong. Pupils strive to live up to the school’s motto, ensuring that each step they make in their learning ‘makes a big difference.’ Pupils display exemplary behaviour throughout the school day. They are enthusiastic about the house points and ‘star of the week’ awards that they receive for following the school’s ‘golden rules. The school is extremely ambitious for its pupils. Pupils rise to the challenges that the school sets for them, both academically and socially. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve highly across the curriculum. By the time pupils leave Year 6, they are exceptionally well prepared for their move to secondary school. Pupils are proud to be part of this special community. They spoke enthusiastically about the vast array of high-quality enrichment activities on offer. For example, pupils enjoy taking part in ‘university’ experiences such as woodwork, choir, cookery, lacrosse, and ukulele. Pupils are very proud of the success that the school’s sports teams have enjoyed.
“The school ensures that pupils with SEND are identified accurately and swiftly. Staff are united in their view that additional needs should not be a barrier to learning. When necessary, they skilfully adapt resources so that these pupils can learn the same curriculum as their classmates. The school engages with outside agencies to ensure that pupils with SEND receive expert support when it is needed. The school provides pupils with learning that is engaging and exciting. Staff have considerable subject expertise. They regularly check to identify whether pupils have any missing knowledge. Teachers ensure that pupils have secure foundations in their learning before moving on to more difficult concepts. No opportunity is lost to improve learning for pupils. Pupils spoke about what they know already and their current learning with confidence and genuine interest. Reading is at the heart of pupils’ learning. The school places communication and language at the centre of children’s learning in the early years. Children in the Nursery class are immersed in rhymes, songs, and stories. This helps them to build an understanding of new vocabulary and sounds quickly. Pupil reading ambassadors take their role in promoting a love of books and poems with their peers seriously. They spoke with pride of the book club sessions and assemblies they lead to support this initiative.
“By the time pupils leave the school at the end of Year 6, the vast majority are fluent readers. From the start of the Nursery Year, children are taught to be polite and caring towards each other. They are well prepared for their next steps and develop confidence throughout their time at the school. Pupils in all year groups commit themselves to their learning.
“The school ensures that pupils benefit from a wealth of experiences, which helps to develop them into well-rounded citizens. Pupils work with the school council to support local hospices. They take part in litter picks within the community. Older pupils are proud to be prefects and role models for the younger pupils. The school has also prioritised the benefits of trips to broaden pupils’ horizons, including visits to museums, safari parks and the beach. Pupils are also taught the importance of looking after their mental health. Well-being ambassadors provide ‘affirmation stations’ across the school.”
