Ofsted Inspectors visited our school in January 2025 after eleven years. This inspection marks an important milestone in our ongoing journey, and we are excited about the future of Idle CE(A) Primary. We are incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made together, supported by  our parents and carers.

We are particularly pleased that OFSTED recognised many of the strengths of our school. The inspection team praised the “high expectations for all pupils’ achievements” and acknowledged “the school has taken necessary action to improve the curriculum in the last three years”. The report also identifies that “current leaders, with support from the local authority and the diocese, have introduced many changes that are starting to improve the quality of education”. Personal development was highlighted as a key strength, with pupils benefiting from “a variety of extra-curricular opportunities” and that “the school provides leadership opportunities for pupils” that “encourage pupils to make positive contributions to the school community”.

OFSTED also recognised the hard work of our leadership team and staff in creating a caring and supportive environment where pupils feel safe, valued, and are taught to be ‘ready, respectful, and safe’. The report also highlights that “pupils’ behaviour is calm and positive”, and how “the small number of pupils who need extra help in managing their behaviour are very well supported”.

In addition, the report acknowledges the significant journey the school has been on over the last three years. The previous inspection, conducted eleven years ago, was under a very different framework and education expectations have moved on significantly since then. With the valued support of the local authority and the diocese, we have implemented a wide range of strategic changes that are improving the quality of education and the overall school experience for our pupils, with inspectors noting that “actions are starting to bear fruit”. We recognise that such a period of transformation can feel uncertain, and we understand that some families may still have questions or concerns. OFSTED recognised that “green shoots are emerging” with our community engagement already this year and - through our ‘Feedback to Flourish’ strategy - we remain committed to building stronger communication within our community, ensuring erveyone feels fully informed and reassured about what’s happening, when, and why

We are pleased that the report recognises many of the strengths within our school. It also identifies some areas for improvement, which were already part of our development plan and are being actively addressed. Please be assured that we remain fully committed to providing the best possible education and support for every child. With your continued support and in partnership with our wider school community, we will keep working to ensure all pupils have every opportunity to thrive.

The school had a successful SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) Inspection in January 2019. 

Copies of our OFSTED and SIAMs reports can be downloaded using the links below.

Parents can share their views via the Ofsted Parent View Questionnaires. Please click on the link below;