Calderdale Council has congratulated a local school for achieving the highest possible rating from Ofsted.
Parkinson Lane Community Primary School in Halifax was rated outstanding in all areas in its latest inspection.
That means top marks for overall effectiveness, the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.
This comes after the previous Ofsted inspection in 2019 found that the school required improvement, making the latest rating even more amazing.
In September 2023, inspectors praised Parkinson Lane’s transformation:
“Leaders, staff, pupils and the wider community have transformed this school. They are united by a shared vision to ensure that every pupil benefits from an ambitious curriculum, enhanced by meaningful extra-curricular activities. That vision is now a reality. From the moment that pupils start at this welcoming and inclusive school, they happily embrace every opportunity that has been carefully planned for them. The impact of this learning environment is startling – for many pupils, it is life-changing.”
The Ofsted report describes teaching staff as “passionate and knowledgeable…bring[ing] learning to life”. They are well-supported and proud to work at the school.
By the end of primary school, “pupils are knowledgeable, confident and eloquent individuals who are both ready and excited for their next steps”. This fits perfectly with Calderdale’s Wellbeing Strategy ambition for children to start well and develop well.
Inspectors also praised the pupils’ “exemplary behaviour” and “meaningful understanding of the diversity of the world in which they live”, plus the support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Ofsted concluded its report by saying: “This community school is held in high regard by both staff and the wider community.”
Cllr Adam Wilkinson, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, said:
“The transformation of Parkinson Lane Community Primary School from ‘requires improvement’ to ‘outstanding’ is nothing short of incredible. Congratulations to the whole school community!
“In a borough where we’re focusing on reducing inequalities and helping everyone to achieve their potential and live a larger life, the talent and resilience of the school team and pupils are a remarkable example of this in action.”
Gugsy Ahmed, Headteacher of Parkinson Lane Community Primary School, said:
“I’d just like to congratulate the whole school community. We are fortunate to have parents who engage in children’s learning. Children who are receptive to changes. Resilient in their approach to learning. I’m extremely proud of my staff who have gone above and beyond. Prior to the 2019 report, Parkinson Lane received three back-to-back outstanding Ofsted reports. I’m pleased the staff efforts have been recognised in this report. They work incredibly hard and deserve a report that reflects this.
“Of course, the report is really positive but in no way compares to our delight in seeing our youngsters becoming articulate, literate and numerate, ultimately making a positive contribution to British society. Thank you to the many people that helped on this journey and offered advice and support and truly believed in the school.”
Talent and resilience are key themes of the Vision 2024 for Calderdale. The year 2024 marks Calderdale’s 50th birthday. Where do we want to be by 2024? Get involved with the debate on X with #VisionCdale2024 and find out more at www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision