Ofsted success for new school

Nightingale Primary Academy, in Harehills, part of The Co-op Academies Trust, opened with 60 reception class places in 2014, with an aim to eventually deliver more than 400 for the area.

It currently admits pupils up to Year 3 and has grown at a much faster rate than originally planned.

New headteacher Jack Sowter was in his post for just six days when Ofsted announced it would be carrying out an inspection at the school, which is one of four Leeds primaries within the trust.

He said: “Staff have built really strong relationships with families and agencies to ensure that all pupils regularly attend and have excellent attitudes to learning; they both delight and value in their education.”

Ofsted inspectors praised the school’s senior leaders for their dedication, and the way they have built a community in which “staff and students respect each other, commend different opinions and celebrate one another’s success”.

Shaheen Rasool, interim head, said: “Recognition of the love, care, nurture and support Nightingale provides for our pupils, carers, staff and community has been truly uplifting.”

Ofsted also described the school’s work to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare as ‘outstanding’, noting that the level of care and nurture the teachers show towards the 229 students means they feel safe and secure.

Frank Norris, director of the Co-op Academies Trust and chair of governors, said: “We are all immensely proud of the progress that has been made.”