School celebrates outstanding Ofsted with spooktacular party
A school welcomed children and parents to a spooktacular Halloween party to celebrate the school’s Outstanding Ofsted judgement.
It’s the fourth consecutive time Columbia Grange School in Washington, which specialises in supporting children on theautisticspectrumandwith other specific learning needs, hasbeengiventhehighestpossible accolade by Ofsted.
However, despite the inspection taking place last year, the school has been unable to celebrate due to the impact of the pandemic – a situation whichhasalsoseenthelasttwo Halloween parties cancelled.
Deputy headteacher, Rosie Walker,said:“Weweredelighted with the report, particularly the part which said ‘pupils’ learning, welfare and happiness are at the heart of Columbia Grange School’ - this is fundamental to what we do.
"However we’ve not been able to celebrate this with the children nor the work carried out here by the previous headteacher,LesleyMavin,whohas now left the school.
"The Halloween party is one of the children’s favourite events, but has been cancelled due to Covid. We thought what better way to celebrate the report and the return to normality for the children than with our Halloween party.”
The event saw children dressed in a range of ghoulish costumes including witches, skeletons, vampires and a selection of characters from the Addamsfamily–allinthehope of winning the Best Dressed prize.
As well as enjoying the Halloween-themeddisco,children were also able to take part in a spooky walk led by the Grim Reaper – AKA teacher Gavin Briggs – which culminated in a scarystoryinthehobbithouse read by the wicked witch, otherwise known as teaching assistant Dawne Taylor.
Ava Sinnott, eight, dressed as a witch, said: “It has been lots of fun and I really enjoyed thescarystory.I’mlookingforward to getting my hot dog.”
Reece Laverick, nine, dressed as a pumpkin, added: “It was lots of fun getting dressed up. My favourite part of the night was the spooky
walk.” Mum, Linsey Laverick, 38, who’d taken on the role of the Evil Queen, said: “This has been in the pipeline for a long time and is a massive part of Halloween for the children. Reece was really disappointed last year when it was cancelled.”
A key feature of the party wasalsocelebratingthereturn
of communal events in which the children, staff and families can come together following the easing of restrictions.
Chris Melville, 42, who attended with son Alfie, said: “It makes such a difference for Alfie to be able to come out and do something social. It’s a brilliant event and he was so excited to come along.”
Alfie,nine,whowasdressed as a devil, added: “I’m really excited and the best bit was the spooky walk.”
The party was also an opportunity for families to welcome new headteacher, John Line, who took up the position in September.
Mr Line said: “Tonight is aboutcelebratingfourconsecutiveOfstedjudgementsbutit’s also about reconnecting with families after Covid, many of whom have felt isolated during the pandemic.
"The report highlighted how parents feel staff treat their children with kindness and respect and ‘go above and beyond’. The Halloween Party is very much a symbol of this.”