Ofsted conducted a visit to Montreal C of E Primary School on 29 September 2020, following the reopening of schools after the COVID-19 pandemic. The visit was part of a broader initiative to assess how schools are managing the return to full education for pupils after an extended break. The visit was not an inspection, and no graded judgments were made. Instead, it aimed to gather insights into the school's operations during this transitional period.
During the visit, discussions were held with the headteacher, assistant headteacher, special educational needs coordinator, and senior learning mentor. However, due to protective measures in place, inspectors did not speak with pupils. The context of the visit was shaped by the challenges posed by the pandemic, which had significantly disrupted formal schooling.
The school reopened to all pupils on 2 September 2020, with attendance levels aligning broadly with typical figures for this time of year. However, there had been an increase in pupil absences due to symptoms related to COVID-19. Teachers resumed instruction across all curriculum subjects, making necessary adjustments to certain areas, such as music and physical education, to mitigate the risk of virus transmission.
In the early years and up to Year 3, staff conducted assessments to gauge pupils' progress in phonics and early reading. The school implemented support measures to help students catch up, including the purchase of new resources for Key Stage 2 pupils to enhance their reading skills. In mathematics, teachers focused on assessing pupils' understanding of number calculations and place value, ensuring that essential learning missed during the previous terms was addressed.
The school demonstrated a proactive approach in adapting its curriculum and resources to ensure comprehensive coverage of all subjects. This involved identifying key learning objectives that pupils may have overlooked or forgotten during the spring and summer terms. Plans were also established to deliver the curriculum remotely if necessary, utilizing a combination of online and physical resources. The school is investing in new hardware and software to support these initiatives, alongside arranging training to enhance teachers' proficiency in using online platforms.
The visit highlighted the school's commitment to providing a safe and effective learning environment for its pupils during a challenging time. The measures taken to support pupils' return to school and their educational progress were noted positively. The insights gathered from this visit will contribute to Ofsted's national reporting, informing future policy decisions within the education sector.
Overall, the visit did not reveal any significant concerns regarding the school's operations during this period. The headteacher and staff's efforts to adapt to the challenges posed by the pandemic and ensure that pupils receive a quality education were commendable. The school is well-positioned to continue supporting its pupils as they navigate the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 on their education. The findings from this visit will be shared with relevant stakeholders, including the governing body and local education authorities, to ensure transparency and collaboration in addressing the needs of the school community.
