Ofsted’s praise for improved school
ASOUTHPORT primary school has been transformed “beyond recognition”, according to a recent Ofsted report.
St Teresa’s Catholic Infant and Nursery School, in Everton Road, has been rated “good” after being previously judged “inadequate” in 2016.
The Ofsted reports are broken down into five categories: leadership and management, quality of teaching, learning and assessment, personal development, behaviour and welfare and outcomes for pupils – all of which were rated “good” in the latest report.
The inspection took place from February 7 and 8, and concluded that the Southport school was good overall.
The report stated: “Since the last inspection, the head teacher, ably supported by her assistant head teacher and team of new teaching staff, has improved the school beyond recognition. Through their sheer hard work and determination, the school no longer has serious weaknesses and is now good.
“Their passion, commitment, drive and vision have been fundamental in improving outcomes across the school in a short period of time. The senior leadership team has stabilised and morale among the teaching staff is high. All share the head teacher’s vision for the school. Parents speak very highly of the school. They commented, ‘We are very lucky to have a wonderful school like this’.”
The previous report said that there had been a decline in standards, much of the teaching was weak and disadvantaged pupils were being failed.
Since then, the teachers have been given relevant training and most of the teachers currently in the school were not in post at the last inspection.
The report adds: “Staff have undertaken a great deal of training since the last inspection and this has a positive impact both on the quality of their teaching and on outcomes for pupils.”
The school was also praised in the report for improved outcomes, improved governance, teamwork among staff and leadership.
Although this report was mostly positive, Ofsted issued various guidelines for improvement.
Some of the guidelines included ensuring pupils reach their expected standards or higher at the end of key stage one, diminishing the differences between disadvantaged pupils and others and ensuring teachers’ outcomes are measurable.
Eleanor Daniels, head teacher of St Teresa’s, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the report because it reflects the sheer hard work and dedication of all the staff, governors and pupils.
“St Teresa’s has been transformed in just 15 months since the last inspection.
“Ofsted has recognised the excellent work of the staff in raising standards and improving outcomes. We are a happy school with a shared vision and sense of purpose.’’
Ms Daniels added: “We want the very best for our children and will continue on our journey for excellence.”