Children enjoy life at ‘inclusive’ Taunton’s Minerva Primary School, which ‘challenges them to learn’ and gives them ‘the courage to try new things’, according to Ofsted.
In the school’s first inspection under the watchdog’s new framework, Minerva was told it meets expectations in all areas: leadership, teaching and curriculum, inclusion, early years, pupil attendance and behaviour, and wellbeing and achievement.
The school was additionally praised for its effective safeguarding by inspectors who also highlighted its ‘calm and orderly’ atmosphere, and praised the ‘high expectations’ which staff hold for all children.
In his report, lead inspector Ben Jordan wrote: “Pupils enjoy coming to Minerva Primary school. They describe it as a fun and caring place which ‘challenges them to learn’.
“Pupils understand how the school values help them to become better individuals who have the courage to try new things and to work as part of a team
“Current pupils now attend more frequently than those in the past. Pupils have a clear understanding of why attending school is important. Across the school, pupils respond well to the school’s high expectations for their behaviour and conduct.
“Pupils enjoy the opportunities on offer to them. They take pride in their leadership roles such as members of the pupil parliament and librarians. They say that these roles enable them to set a positive example to others and help them to make their school a better place.”
Ofsted’s inspection team went on to praise Minerva in a number of key areas.
On pupil achievement, they said: “Pupils make positive progress from their starting points. This is particularly the case for those who are disadvantaged.
“By the time pupils leave the school, they are increasingly well prepared for the next stage of their education.”
On pupil behaviour, Ofsted said: “Staff understand and consistently follow the school’s behaviour policy, which has positive and respectful relationships at its core.
“The atmosphere in classes and during social times is calm and purposeful. Pupils are polite and well-mannered. They greet visitors with a warm smile. Pupils know that any form of discrimination will not be tolerated.”
On early years provision, inspectors said: “Staff take time to forge positive relationships with children. They work closely with parents and carers to involve them in their child’s learning.
“Children make positive progress through the early years curriculum which prepares them well for Year 1.”
On inclusion, the report said: “Leaders ensure that the additional funding the school receives enables disadvantaged pupils to access everything the school has to offer.
“They rigorously analyse the impact of their actions. Academic and wellbeing barriers disadvantaged pupils face close quickly because of this.”
And on school leadership, Ofsted said: “Leaders, members of the academy council and trustees have an ambitious vision for the school. They know the school and the community it serves well. Since joining the trust, leaders have improved many aspects of the school’s work.
“Pupils, particularly those with SEND and those who are disadvantaged, are at the heart of all decisions that leaders make.”
Ofsted’s findings have been welcomed by leaders at both Minerva and its parent trust the Cabot Learning Federation.
Gareth Nation, Principal at Minerva Primary School, said:
“We are delighted with the findings of this report. It marks a significant milestone in Minerva Primary School’s ongoing improvement and reflects the dedication, ambition and hard work of everyone connected to the school.
“We are particularly thrilled that inspectors recognised the positive progress pupils are making, not only academically, but also as holistic, well-rounded individuals who leave the school well prepared for the next stage of their educational journey. This recognition reflects our commitment to developing confident, capable and resilient young people who are equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world.
“The staff at Minerva Primary School are remarkable individuals whose collective commitment and dedication make the school a truly special place. Their unwavering investment in the children, families and wider community they serve is evident in everything they do. It is both a pleasure and a privilege to work alongside them, and I have the utmost respect for their professionalism, care and determination.
“Minerva Primary is a school where children know they are safe, where they belong and where they know they matter. Pupils receive not only a high standard of education, but also exceptional care, understanding and challenge.
“Together, these experiences help children understand that while life will inevitably bring challenges, they have the confidence, resilience and character to overcome them and flourish. We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved and excited about the next chapter in the school’s continuing journey of excellence.”
Steve Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of the Cabot Learning Federation, said:
“I’m so delighted for the hard-working and expert team at Minerva, and for the community. After almost 20 years, the families once again have a school that they not only love, but that now publicly stacks up against any school in the country in terms of the quality of provision.”
