In a recent remote visit conducted on 9 December 2020, Ofsted representatives assessed the current situation at St Bartholomew’s CofE Primary School, following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This visit was part of a broader initiative by Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills to evaluate how schools are managing the return to full education after an extended period of disruption.
The visit was not an inspection in the traditional sense, as Ofsted is currently not providing graded judgments due to the ongoing pandemic. Instead, the focus was on gathering insights into how schools are adapting to the new normal and supporting their students during this challenging time. The inspector engaged with the headteacher, Katie Blood, and members of the senior leadership team, but did not interact with pupils directly.
Since the full reopening of schools in September 2020, St Bartholomew’s has faced significant challenges, with five out of seven class ‘bubbles’ having to self-isolate at various times, affecting approximately two-thirds of the student body. This disruption has necessitated a shift to remote learning for many pupils.
By the summer term of 2021, the school aims to ensure that all pupils have covered the planned subject areas in their new curriculum. However, certain activities, such as swimming lessons, have been suspended due to local pool closures.
Staff have conducted assessments in reading, writing, and mathematics for pupils in Years 1 to 6, focusing on learning objectives from the previous year. It was noted that some students have lost confidence in mathematics, particularly in solving fractions. Leaders have identified the need for additional practice in writing complex sentences and improving reading comprehension.
To address these challenges, the school has implemented daily ‘reboot’ sessions aimed at reinforcing essential skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. New resources, including sets of books for early readers, have been introduced to support learning.
Leaders have observed that Reception-age children require assistance with social skills, such as playing together and taking turns, as many have not had sufficient opportunities for verbal communication prior to joining the school.
Over the autumn term, the school developed an online program of recorded lessons accessible from various devices. This initiative allows pupils to engage with the curriculum remotely, ensuring continuity of education during periods of isolation.
The insights gathered from this visit will contribute to Ofsted’s national reporting, helping to inform future educational policies. While the challenges posed by the pandemic are significant, St Bartholomew’s CofE Primary School is actively working to support its pupils and adapt to the evolving educational landscape.
The findings from this visit highlight the resilience and commitment of the school’s leadership and staff in navigating these unprecedented times. The school community is encouraged to continue its efforts in providing quality education and support to all students.
Ofsted extends its gratitude to Ms. Blood and her team for their cooperation and contributions to this important national work. The experiences shared will play a vital role in shaping future educational strategies.
This letter will be published on the Ofsted website and shared with relevant stakeholders, including the chair of the governing body and local education authorities.
