Youngsters celebrate Ofsted praise

Bramley Sunnyside was placed in special measures by inspectors who said teaching was inadequate and lessons dull.

But the Flanderwell Lane school - now rated good- is currently in the top 15 per cent nationwide for progress between Key Stage 1 and 2 in reading, writing and maths.

Head teacher Helen Headleand said: “Our school has been on an incredible journey placing all our children at the heart of an engaging and creative curriculum. 

“Our young learners thrive, through the high standards we instil to ‘believe it, achieve it’. I am immensely proud.”

The 342-pupil school was criticised for results well below the national average four years ago and placed in special measures in spring 2013 after being rated inadequate by Ofsted.

After appointing a new head, the school rose to a rating of requiring improvement in 2014 before jumping another rank this year.

Lead inspector Fiona McNally said: “Leaders have worked well in collaboration with governors to effectively improve areas which were identified at the last inspection as needing further development.

“Pupils make good progress from their starting points. Teachers engage pupils with activities that they enjoy and this means pupils concentrate well in lessons.”

Rotherham Borough Council deputy leader Cllr Gordon Watson said: “This is a fantastic turnaround and highlights the efforts of the teachers, school staff and pupils.

“Rotherham schools are some of the best in the region, if not the country, and Sunnyside is following a trend of high standards all parents should expect our schools to make for our children.”

Further improvements to teaching and some checks on pupils’ work were needed for the school to become outstanding, Ofsted’s report said.