The Islamia Primary School gets the thumbs up from education watchdog

A primary school in Queen’s Park is celebrating after being praised in all areas following a thorough inspection by education officials.

The Islamia Primary School has been commended by Ofsted inspectors for its “caring, cohesive and inclusive community” and its work in “engaging children successfully in their learning.”

The voluntary-aided school, in Salusbury Road, was rated as good in all areas, an improvement on the previous rating of satisfactory from their last visit in 2009.

The school was visited at the beginning of the month and graded on the achievements of pupils, quality of teaching, behaviour and safety of pupils and leadership and management.

Head teacher, Zahida Shaheem, welcomed the outcome of the inspection, she told the Times: “Ofsted has validated our efforts in preparing our pupils for the next stage in their learning.

“The collective team spirit and ethos is evident in every opportunity we provide our pupils, staff, parents and governors.”

Ofsted recently changed its grading system to create an extra level where improvement is required, a move some parents claim has made it tougher for schools to succeed.

The satisfactory rating was binned and there are now two levels where improvement is required, serious weaknesses and special measures.

According to their own guidelines, a school rated as good is “effective in delivering outcomes that provide well for all its pupils’ needs” and pupils are “well prepared for the next stage of their education.”

Chair of governors, Munir Ahmad said: “We are delighted with the outcome of the inspection, which is a result of the school’s staff working hard, despite operating under challenging circumstances.”

Nur Enver, chair of the school’s parent association, said: “It only brings a feeling of great satisfaction and comfort to know that our school has done so well in the latest Ofsted inspection; this is something that we as parents cannot take for granted.”