Rapid progress sees school get glowing report from Ofsted

ASCHOOL is celebrating after Ofsted recognised it has delivered “rapid” improvements.

Emmanuel Holcombe Church of England Primary School has been rated as ‘ Good’ by the watchdog having previously been rated as requiring improvement.

The Helmshore Road school received a Good rating across the board in four of the five main cate- gories, and went one better to achieve ‘Outstanding’ in the fifth - Early Years Provision.

The report stated: “The headteacher’s strong and effective leadership has been behind the marked improvements made since the last inspection.

The quality of teaching is now good. Lessons are interesting, engaging and motivate pupils. Standards are rising and all groups of pupils currently in the school, including disadvantaged pupils, are making good progress. Standards of behaviour are exemplary. This is a happy school where pupils are safe and well cared for.”

Areas for future improvement identified by Ofsted include the opportunity to write more longer pieces, and “a few variations” between boys’ and girls’ attainment.

Sue Wardle, who was ●● Emmanuel Holcombe School is now Good with Outstanding features appointed as substantive headteacher in April 2016, said they were “absolutely delighted” with the inspection outcome.

She added: “The report accurately reflects the dedication and hard work of the whole team and the progress that has been made since the last inspection.

“We are very proud of our school and our wonderful pupils.”

Elaine Allum, chairperson of governors, said: “I am immensely proud of this achievement which is due to the incredibly hard work that the whole staff team and governors have done over the last two years, in particular.

“Staff and governors know the school, and pupils, very well and we have a clear plan for further improvement.

“We are always striving to deliver the best possible education to the children and they are at the heart of everything we do.”