Cheers for Blackburn nursery school’s Ofsted report

Longshaw Nursery School has undergone a dramatic turnaround to be rated ‘good’ in its latest Ofsted report.

The nursery had been rated ‘inadequate’ at its last inspection 12 months ago but just six months after a new leadership team had been put in place it has been given the new rating.

In the report, Longshaw was praised on the quality of teaching, child safety, parent partnership and effectiveness of the leadership and management.

Following the previous Ofsted report, which labelled the nursery school as ‘inadequate’, an Interim Executive Board was brought in.  This has now been extended and ratified as the new Governing Body for the school. They are working closely with Andrea Batley, headteacher of Longshaw Infant School, who was appointed as executive headteacher of both schools in September.

The report states:

Parents and carers are very supportive of the school’s work. Typical comments include, ‘Since the new head teacher took over, the changes I have seen in the school have been dramatic.’

Keeping children safe is a central aspect of the school’s work. Children feel and are safe. There is strong capacity within the school for continuous improvement and an enthusiasm and determination to do so. Current staff work closely as a team and morale is high.

All groups of children, including those who are disadvantaged and with special educational needs and /or disabilities (SEND), make strong gains in their learning. This is the result of good-quality teaching across the school.”

Head teacher Andrea Batley said:

This Ofsted judgement is a testament to the hard work and dedication from all the staff, parents, the senior leadership team and the Council, especially since the previous inspection.

We are absolutely thrilled with the report. It is a true reflection of the work done here at Longshaw Nursery School.  We have worked incredibly hard over the last six months to create a safe and happy environment for the children. We will carry on striving to improve and I want to thank the parents and carers of the children for being so supportive during this time.

Councillor Maureen Bateson, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said:

This has been a real opportunity to work with the fantastic team at Longshaw and it is such a pleasure to see the changes made in such a short space of time.

“The report shows the real changes made and I want to say thank you to everyone here. It has been a real team effort and long may it continue.”