What a whirlwind of a week!

 

Dear Parents and Carers,

 

Firstly, a very happy New Year to you all. Apologies for the delayed letter wishing you the best for 2026; I appreciate Christmas already seems a very long time ago, but what a busy week we have had! When we started back at school on Monday, after shovelling the snow, we were ready for a busy return and raring to go. However, we never expected the surprising week that unfolded.

 

Regarding Ofsted, we anticipated a visit this term as we were last inspected in autumn 2021 (and inspections generally occur every four years). Ofsted has undergone significant changes under the new government and following a review prompted by the tragic suicide of Head Teacher Ruth Perry two years ago. Ofsted resumed inspections on 1st December 2025 with a new inspection toolkit, operating guidance, grading system, and report cards. As a result, this process was very different, and the published reports will not be comparable to previous inspections. That said, we are pleased with the outcome and there were no surprises.

 

We expect to receive the report within three weeks, and it should be live and ready to publish within 30 working days. If you wish to read more about the new process, grades, and reports, you might find the following link useful: Understanding Ofsted report cards and grades - GOV.UK Alternatively, if you prefer a short video explaining this well for parents and carers, please use this link to access the material produced by Ofsted: New Ofsted report cards and grades: a guide for parents

 

Following the process, I can say I am proud of everyone involved. The inspectors saw our school ethos, vision and curriculum in full flow, with everyone at their very best. No stone was left unturned, and I was pleased that the collaborative process identified many successes of the school and aspects to celebrate. The two days also confirmed that Ofsted validated everything we have said about our school, and we all agreed on the areas for development to highlight.

 

We look forward to sharing the report with you once it has been quality assured and published. We had four inspectors over the inspection period, along with an HMI inspector quality assuring the whole process. It was a pleasure working with the team, and they left saying they had thoroughly enjoyed their time at Greasley. Of course, when I am allowed to share their report, I will also share my own notes reflecting the extensive verbal feedback we received throughout the inspection.

 

I am proud of the children and staff and very thankful to those families who spoke with inspectors in the playground, met with them at the gates, and wrote personal letters sharing their positive experiences. Thanks also to those parents who gave feedback via the online surveys. If your view is less positive, please do feel free to get in touch so we can discuss any issues and move forward positively.

 

I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to our governors for their ongoing support and commitment throughout this process. Their leadership and dedication have been invaluable in helping us maintain our high standards and focus on continuous improvement. As a staff, we also feel incredibly supported.

 

Moving on from the inspection, we have had snow today, and I apologise for any inconvenience caused. On the flip side, I hope you have had a safe, warm, and memorable day. Please continue to stay safe over the weekend and into next week, when more snow is predicted. Remember that Mrs Barrowcliffe and I would love to see all your snowman pictures, and I look forward to judging them next week.

 

I could not end this letter without celebrating the fact that our choir went to Birmingham on Wednesday for the Young Voices concert. Mrs Bailey and I were meant to attend; however, the Ofsted inspection prevented us from doing so. We were not going to let this stop us, though. Thanks to Mrs Reeve, Mrs Barlow, and Mrs Hine, who took the children and had the time of their lives with them. Everyone sang their hearts out, and parents and children commented that watching approximately 5,000 pupils come together as the world’s largest choir was incredibly special. One parent used the word ‘goosebumps,’ and another child said it was the ‘best experience’ they had ever encountered.

 

Again, this is another wonderful opportunity at Greasley (also celebrated by the inspectors). Thank you to Mrs Bailey for working on the songs with the children, and arranging the whole event, and to the staff who attended, especially during an Ofsted inspection, returning to school at 10:30 pm.

 

For now, I leave you to enjoy the weekend, a restful one for all the children and staff for sure. We will see you again next week, ready to start afresh and work on our next steps.

 

Warm regards,
Mrs Bates