School needing improvement is back on track
STEFAN JAJECZNYK
STAFF at a primary school have been praised by Ofsted for making progress since its last inspection.
The latest report follows one in May 2016 where inspectors rated St Anne’s Primary School in Waterfoot as ‘requires improvement’.
According to the new report, the school has demonstrated that it is on track to achieving at least a ‘good’ rating at its next inspection if improvements continue. ●● Motivational wall art stickers at St Anne’s Primary show pupils Delilah Williams, Karl Smirthwaite, Poppy Millard and Jasper Heywood-Clough with headteacher Charlotte Hartley
Inspector Joanne Olson said: “The previous inspection provided a springboard, enabling everyone to tackle shortcomings at the school with renewed vigour and pace.
“Consequently, much has been achieved in the past year. The foundations for future success are firmly in place.
“You have successfully harnessed the enthusiasm and dedication of your team. Everyone is on board. All share a desire to make sure pupils gain the best possible start to their education.”
The report also praised the eagerness of the school’s pupils in accepting and adapting to the changes, noting their enthusiasm and enjoyment of being challenged.
The report said: “You continue to provide a lively, broad and balanced curriculum. This contributes well to pupils’ enjoyment of school, their good behaviour and their strong personal skills.
“Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development shines out. Teachers’ expectations have risen, which has led to a marked improvement in the quality and quantity of work the pupils produce.”
Improvements are still required in the teaching of mathematics – making it more challenging – and in supporting disadvantaged pupils, especially with their attendance.
Ms Olson added: “You have a clear understanding of what needs to happen next to ensure a positive outcome at the next inspection. It is a good vehicle for setting future actions and ensuring that everyone understands their role in the journey to becoming a good school.”
Headteacher Charlotte Hartley welcomed the results of the section 8 inspection.
She said: “We are delighted with the HMI report as it acknowledges all the hard work of the past 12 months. Several areas of school attainment are now ‘above’ national average.
“We are justifiably proud of our improvements and the positive attitude of the staff and pupils.
“The governing body are passionate and wholly committed school improvement, and through their restructure this year are a driving force behind the process.”