Report from our ungraded Ofsted inspection
We are delighted to be able to share the report from our ungraded Ofsted inspection which took place on 28th and 29th November 2023. As an ungraded inspection, Ofsted were visiting to ensure we are still a ‘good’ school, as last assessed in 2018.
This inspection could not have resulted in a more positive outcome, as the report states that 'the evidence gathered suggests that the inspection grade might be outstanding if a graded (section 5) inspection were carried out'. Therefore, Ofsted will re-inspect Mapledown on the graded framework within a shorter timescale where hopefully they can gather the evidence needed for us to be officially graded as outstanding.
The process was very thorough and of course took the views of parents / carers, staff and pupils into consideration, alongside observing teaching, unstructured titimes and all aspects of our day to day practice. The report captures what it is like to attend Mapledown, it is very child centred and acknowledges the school's top priorities: to develop pupils communication, with a curriculum that meets the need of all pupils. We were really pleased to hear the inspectors’ descriptions of what they had experienced in their two days with us and we are proud of the commitment, dedication and positivity demonstrated by everyone.
You can read the report for yourselves, but behind this, rest assured that our continued work around the curriculum, communication, literacy, preparation for adulthood, commitment to pupils and staff's wellbeing and staff's professional development will lead to sustained improvements that will put us on the right track for further success.
As always, we appreciate your feedback and are keen to continue to work on areas of focus to enable us to be even better. I hope you are as proud of our school and pupils as we are at the moment. There is certainly a lot to celebrate and share.