‘Positive relationships’, a ‘kind and respectful atmosphere’ and an ‘ambitious’ curriculum have earned Bristol’s Minerva Primary Academy a ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted.
The Fishponds school – part of the Cabot Learning Federation – was also praised by inspectors for its ‘calm and orderly’ learning environment, and its ability to help disadvantaged pupils to ‘flourish’.
Ofsted’s glowing endorsement follows a two-day visit from an inspection team, who met leaders from Minerva and the school’s parent trust the Cabot Learning Federation, spoke to staff, parents and pupils, and carried out a ‘deep dive’ into teaching and curriculum.
In a report published this week, Lead Inspector Kathy Maddocks confirmed Minerva had been rated ‘Good’ in all areas.
“Pupil mobility is high. The school manages this well and this helps new pupils to settle quickly.
“The school ethos, ‘learning, believing, growing, achieving’, is the focus of everything that happens.
“Pupils, including the high number of pupils who are disadvantaged, have complex needs and speak English as an additional language, are happy and flourish in the nurturing environment.”
On inclusion, the report said: “Expectations of all pupils are high. Pupils from different backgrounds work together in harmony, celebrating each other’s cultures and faiths. The school prepares pupils well to understand themselves as global citizens.
“Pupils are determined that everyone is welcome at their school and treated equally.”
On behaviour, it said: “Pupils feel safe. Relationships in the school are positive. There is a kind and respectful atmosphere across the school.
“During lessons, pupils focus well on their learning. They understand the school routines and follow them appropriately. This starts in the early years where children listen carefully and play well together. Consequently, the school is calm and orderly.”
On teaching, it said: “There is an ambitious trust-wide curriculum in place.
“In subjects such as English and mathematics the important knowledge the school wants pupils to learn is clearly set out. Children from pre-school onwards build on prior learning well. They become proficient so that they are ready for the next phase in their education.”
And on personal development, it added: “Pupils benefit from a wide range of well-planned enrichment opportunities. They enjoy their residential trips, visits to the pantomime and clubs.
“Pupils can apply for purposeful positions of responsibility. These range from school councillors to play leaders. Through this work, pupils support each other and develop their leadership skills.”
Minerva was also praised for its ‘effective’ safeguarding processes, ‘sensitive’ education on health and relationships, and the good progress made by pupils with special educational needs.
Jenny Harvey, Principal at Minerva Primary Academy, said:
“I am incredibly proud of our students and how they demonstrated our school values of safe, respectful, learning during the rigorous inspection by Ofsted. I was delighted that our ambitions for all children were recognised and that our Minerva Global Citizens curriculum is supporting and developing our children to be active members of our school and wider community.
“The inspection report states that Minerva Academy is at ‘the heart of the community’ – a recognition that the school values extremely highly.
“To be judged ‘Good’ in all areas is a testament to the hard work and dedication that all Minerva Primary Academy staff put in on a daily basis. It is a pleasure for me to lead such a wonderful team.”
