On 20 October 2020, Ofsted conducted a visit to Fairholme Primary School, led by Her Majesty's Inspector, Noeman Anwar. This visit was part of a broader initiative to assess how schools in England are managing the return to full education following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The visit was not an inspection in the traditional sense, as routine inspections were temporarily suspended. Therefore, no graded judgments were made, and the usual range of inspection activities, such as lesson observations and reviewing pupils' work, were not conducted. Instead, the focus was on discussions with the headteacher and senior leadership team regarding the school's actions since the full reopening of schools in September 2020.
During the visit, it was confirmed that Fairholme Primary School fully reopened to all pupils on 3 September 2020, with leaders expecting full-time attendance. The attendance rates were reported to be in line with typical figures for this time of year, indicating a successful return to school for all pupils. The school resumed teaching across all subjects from the start of the term, although some adjustments were made, particularly in physical education, where competitive matches were not taking place.
The leadership team expressed a commitment to addressing any learning gaps that may have arisen during the extended break from formal schooling. To support this, selected pupils received additional help in reading, writing, and mathematics. Following assessments of pupils' phonics knowledge, teachers identified specific sounds that needed reinforcement, leading to modifications in the phonics program to ensure these sounds were taught and revisited frequently.
In English and other subjects, the teaching approach emphasized the acquisition and use of a rich vocabulary. In mathematics, while pupils retained their understanding of place value, there were concerns regarding the security of their calculation strategies. Consequently, teaching prioritized helping pupils catch up in this area. The school also dedicated more time to practical work in subjects such as science, art, and design and technology, recognizing that some pupils had missed out on these experiences during the previous months.
Additionally, the teaching of personal, social, health, and economic education was extended, reflecting the school's commitment to supporting pupils' well-being. In the event that remote learning became necessary, teachers prepared work that aimed to cover the usual curriculum, providing access to activities and resources through the school’s website, as well as printed materials for some pupils.
The visit did not reveal any significant concerns, and the information gathered will contribute to Ofsted's national reporting, which aims to inform the government and the education sector about the current state of schools. The insights gained from this visit will help shape future policy decisions regarding education in England. The headteacher and the leadership team were thanked for their contributions to this important national work, which is crucial for understanding how schools are navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic. The letter summarizing the visit will be published on the Ofsted website, ensuring transparency and accessibility for parents and the wider community.
