Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Comber Grove School on April 2, 2019, following its previous judgment of good in May 2015. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team, including the headteacher who has been in position since April 2017, has effectively worked with the local authority to evaluate the school’s strengths and areas for development. The school prides itself on its diversity, with pupils speaking 36 different languages and representing 28 countries.
The school has made notable achievements in the performing arts and physical education, collaborating with a local theatre company to enhance the curriculum. A highlight was a Year 3 performance titled The Stone Age, which contributed to developing pupils' self-esteem and confidence. Since the last inspection, leaders have successfully addressed previous areas for improvement, particularly in reducing persistent absence through celebrating attendance and providing better support for parents. Pupils' attainment in reading, writing, and mathematics by the end of key stage two has improved, with significant progress noted in mathematics.
Governors demonstrate a strong understanding of the school’s operations, actively engaging in monitoring improvements and holding leaders accountable. Safeguarding measures are effective, with leaders aware of local and national risks affecting pupils and their families. Staff are well-trained in safeguarding issues, and there is a proactive approach to addressing bullying, with most pupils feeling safe and supported in school.
The inspection focused on improving boys' reading and writing skills, as there were noticeable gaps compared to girls. Leaders have implemented a writing scheme and introduced writing outcomes books to encourage engagement. Feedback from boys indicates a positive shift in their writing experience, with increased opportunities to write throughout the school day. However, while boys' writing stamina is improving, the quality of writing in terms of detail and accuracy still requires attention.
Another area of focus was the standards at key stage one, where there was a decline in writing and mathematics attainment in 2018. Leaders have revised the curriculum to enhance reasoning skills in mathematics, and early assessments suggest that the changes are positively impacting pupils' learning. The teaching of phonics is prioritized, with regular reviews of pupil groupings to ensure appropriate support. However, there is a need for improvement in promoting writing skills, particularly in letter formation and spelling.
The inspection also evaluated the impact of the new leadership structure, which includes many new senior and middle leaders. These leaders are aware of their responsibilities and priorities, and they engage in regular discussions with senior leaders. While there is a collaborative team environment, there is a recognized need for further development of middle leaders' skills to sustain high-quality learning.
In summary, Comber Grove School continues to provide a good education, with effective leadership and a commitment to improvement. The school is addressing key areas such as boys' writing and the quality of writing across the curriculum. The next steps involve enhancing the accuracy of pupils' writing and further developing the skills of middle leaders to ensure sustained progress in school improvement. The inspection findings highlight the school’s strengths while identifying areas for continued focus and development.
