'Cultural focus' helps Broadwater Farm school to improve (From Haringey Independent)

'Cultural focus' helps Broadwater Farm school to improve

5:00pm Monday 9th November 2009 in Education By Elizabeth Pears

CROSSING the cultural divide by reaching out to the parents of its diverse range of pupils has helped Broadwater Farm Primary School to improve, according to Ofsted inspectors.

Like many schools in Tottenham, up to 75 per cent of its pupils speak English as a second language which puts them at a disadvantage in terms of attainment.

But by hosting meetings in Turkish and Somali the school, in Moira Close, has been able to better include the whole family in pupils' learning.

And though the school was awarded an overall rating of "satisfactory", Ofsted noted their was a good capacity for sustained improvement owing to strong leadership, good pupil behaviour and ambitious plans for the future.

Inspectors said: "The inclusive and caring environment nurtures pupils' personal and social skills. They have a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe; they have well-rounded attitudes to living healthy lifestyles and behave well.

"It is evident from the questionnaires completed by parents, pupils and staff that they are proud to be part of Broadwater Farm. They recognise that it is a well-led, improving school.

"The success to date and well-targeted plans to build on this over the next two years demonstrate that the school is well placed to sustain improvement."

In response to suggestions for improvement, the school will now be focusing on improving ICT skills and by making sure pupils understand what they are learning from each activity.

Headteacher Dawn Ferdinand said: "We have high expectations for our pupils and staff and they have certainly risen to the challenge.

"I am delighted that the inspectors have recognised how much good work we are doing and believe things will keep getting better."

In 2012, Broadwater Farm Primary will join with two neighbouring special schools — William C Harvey and Moselle — to form an inclusive learning campus.