Headteacher at Blackpool's Kincraig Primary School praises staff, pupils and governors after Ofsted inspection

The headteacher of Kincraig Primary School in Blackpool has praised her staff, pupils, parents and governors after a positive Ofsted inspection, saying she is “incredibly proud” of the entire school team.

The school received an ‘Exceptional’ grading for Early Years, while Achievement, Attendance & Behaviour, Curriculum & Teaching, Inclusion, Leadership & Governance, and Personal Development & Wellbeing were all graded as ‘Strong’. The school also met their safeguarding requirements.

Headteacher Mrs Karen Smith said she initially felt surprised when inspectors arrived during the final week of the academic year, but said she was reassured after speaking with the lead inspector.

“After the initial surprise of being inspected in the last week of the academic year, I spoke with the Lead Inspector on Teams and felt reassured,” Mrs Smith said. “There was no panic – just a sense of calm that remained throughout the entire inspection.

“In fact, the inspection went exactly as I had hoped it would. There was no rushing about or frantically searching for information. We were a team that knew our school inside out, understood its purpose, and were ready to share our story with confidence.

“Ofsted inspections are never about just two days – they reflect countless years of preparation beforehand. As a school, we have spent recent years preparing, reflecting, improving and refining our practice. Everybody was prepared and everyone knew their roles.

“What struck me most throughout the inspection was just how aligned we were as a Senior Leadership Team. We all share the same values, the same vision, and the same commitment to our school. I am incredibly proud of our SLT.

“Our school community excelled too. The children were amazing. Their enthusiasm for learning and exemplary behaviour shone throughout the inspection. The teaching and support staff were all involved and impressed the inspectors with their ‘expert’ knowledge of the children and their adaptive teaching.

“Our parents supported us 100%, as they always do. They were overwhelmingly positive when speaking to inspectors and completing the parent questionnaire and our governors were very knowledgeable and impressed the Inspectors with their knowledge and commitment.

“I’m incredibly proud of our entire team and deeply grateful to everyone who played a part in supporting us over those two days.”