Slough's Iqra Primary School scores Outstanding in latest Ofsted report

In a ‘momentous’ achievement for Iqra Primary School it has received an Outstanding rating from Ofsted after its latest inspection in September.

The Islamic faith voluntary-aided school had its previous full inspection in 2016, which rendered a Good rating.

Ofsted inspectors noted the school has designed ‘an excellent, well-sequenced curriculum and pupils are ‘extremely enthusiastic’ about the curricular offer.

The school has ‘expert teaching’ and pupils achieve ‘exceptionally well’.

“The school has the highest possible aspirations for all pupils to achieve well. This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND),” the report reads.

It places ‘great emphasis’ on reading, ‘due to the firm belief that being able to read enables pupils to be lifelong learners.’

“A love of reading is promoted through the school’s strong curriculum. The library is an inviting space, which pupils are eager to visit,” the inspectors wrote.

The school plans ‘significant opportunities’ for pupils’ personal development, ‘masterfully woven’ through the curriculum and assemblies.

There is a ‘wide and varied’ extracurricular offer. Clubs range from sports to arts and crafts or board games.

“These clubs are very well attended, particularly by disadvantaged pupils, including those with SEND,” inspectors found.

The curriculum for relationships and sex education, and health education, ‘has been thoughtfully and carefully planned’ so pupils have the knowledge they need by the end of Year 6.

The school ensures that all pupils have equal access to every aspect of school life, including residential trips.

“Routines for excellent behaviour begin in the early years,” the report finds.

“Children share and take turns amicably. Further up the school, pupils understand the importance of being a role model.

“Due to the shared high expectations for behaviour, there is a positive atmosphere for learning that allows pupils to thrive.”

The school, alongside governors, ‘work hard to engage parents’ and the professional development offer for staff is ‘superb.’

Iqra Primary invests in all staff ‘so that pupils experience high-quality teaching across the school.’

Speaking of the result, headteacher Dr Mineza Maher said: “I am so proud of all the team at Iqra, and we recognise that this success is the result of the ongoing collaboration and teamwork between the school community and beyond.

“We are also not complacent about our commitment to continuous improvement in order to provide our pupils with the very best education possible.

“We renew our promise to try our best to make sure the school continues to provide an outstanding education for all our pupils.”

Ms Muqi Munir, deputy headteacher, who has been at the school since it first opened, said: “It has been an incredible journey witnessing our school transform over the years.

“I am immensely proud to be a part of this school where every day I see our pupils and staff thriving for excellence.

“This achievement reaffirms our commitment to providing a nurturing environment where pupils can thrive academically, socially and emotionally. I am excited about the bright future that lies ahead for our pupils.”

Visit iqraprimary.com to view the report.