A glowing Ofsted report which praised Priorswood Primary School for its ‘strong team’ and ‘significant improvement’ has seen the school presented with an important community award.
Taunton’s Priorswood – which joined the CLF in January – was rated as ‘Good’ in all areas by Ofsted inspectors, who highlighted staff as ‘effective role models’ who make the school ‘a calm and purposeful place to learn’.
In assessing the school, inspectors spent two days meeting with leaders, teachers and pupils, scrutinising practice and policy, and monitoring pupil behaviour and teaching in key subject areas.
The report from lead inspector Leanne Thirlby offered positive feedback on Priorswood’s ‘ambitious’ curriculum, ‘clear and structured’ SEND provision, and ‘effective’ safeguarding.
The report said: “Pupils at Priorswood Primary are proud to be members of their school. They enjoy coming to school, feel safe and attend well.
“Pupils show positive attitudes to their learning. Pupils conduct themselves well around the school. Pupils show a high level of respect for their peers and staff.
“The school has improved significantly in recent years. Staffing is now stable. As a result, there is greater consistency across the curriculum, including expectations of the pupils. Staff feel they are part of a strong team.”
And it is the team at Priorswood which was celebrated this week, with the presentation of a Civic Award by Taunton Town Council.
The award – which aims to recognise and celebrate Taunton organisations which ‘go above and beyond in their daily work for, and with, their community’ – was presented to Headteacher Carly Ellis and Priorswood staff in recognition of ‘the efforts made over the last year in achieving a significantly improved OFSTED report’.
At the presentation, councillor Nick O’Donnell heralded the Priorswood team and other award recipients for ‘their commitment to making Taunton a great place to live and work’.
He said: “It was a privilege to present certificates of thanks to so many of our inspiring residents, people who go the extra mile, with no expectation of recognition, but whom we should nevertheless acknowledge and applaud.”
Priorswood Head of School Carly Ellis said: “I am incredibly proud of the team at Priorswood, and it was a privilege to be asked to attend the Town Council meeting where the team’s dedication was recognised for its positive contribution to the community.
“We have been on quite a journey over the past five years, and I am looking forward to continuing the improvements to ensure that the children attending our school get the very best.
“As a team, we have moved the school forward and transformed Priorswood into a calm, safe and happy place to learn. I am very excited about the future.”
