Belfield Community School gets Ofsted accolade

Date published: 17 November 2007

Inspectors from Ofsted, the school's watchdog, have praised Belfield Community School for the outstanding care and leadership of its teachers and the respect and tolerance show by its children.

Overall, the Rochdale school was judged to be a good school that gives good value for money following its Ofsted inspection in October.

In their report on the school, the Government's inspectors said: "It has outstanding features such as the care, guidance and support children receive.

"Outstanding leadership by the headteacher, supported by staff, governors and parents has established a harmonious community where children learn and play happily together.

"A very strong ethos of respect and tolerance between the different cultural groups permeates throughout the school. Parents are very supportive of the school and feel welcomed as partners in their children's education."

Inspectors highlighted the good teaching that children receive and an excellent curriculum that provides a very rich range of learning experiences and meets the needs of children very well. A variety of quality activities support children's social and emotional needs, boost children's self esteem and raise attainment.

The inspectors also reserved special praise for the children's excellent spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and the impressive range of opportunities the school offers to children to promote their spiritual development.

Rochdale Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families, Irene Davidson said: "I am thrilled to see that Belfield Community School has joined the long list of schools in the borough officially recognised by the Government as good. The school has an excellent head in Irene Maguire, talented teachers, committed governors and supportive parents - all key ingredients for future success."

To improve the school further, the school will develop pupils' spoken language skills to raise attainment in all subjects.

Headteacher, Irene Maguire said: "This is an excellent report. I am delighted that we were able to show the inspectors that we are well on the way to becoming, not just a good school, but an outstanding one. All children at the school know they are cherished and given the support they need to do their best."