Halstead: Ofsted tell primary school to improve (From Halstead Gazette)

Halstead: Ofsted tell primary school to improve

10:00am Wednesday 20th February 2013 in News

A NEW headteacher has made a good start at a school which has been told it must improve.

Ofsted inspectors found that recently appointed Jane Hunter has been a “strong driving force” for improvement at St Andrew’s Primary School, in Mathews Close ***CORR****, Halstead.

The school was given a grade of three, meaning it requires improvement, in its latest school inspection report.

The inspection took place in January 2013, the same month as Mrs Hunter took up her post.

Inspectors found: “Behaviour is good and the school is a happy place to learn.

“Pupils appreciate the respect their teachers show them and respond likewise to each other.

“They are extremely courteous to visitors and eager to share their like of and pride in their school.

“The school councillors help pupils to develop a sense of belonging and pupils say that these roles are important.”

Areas for improvement included: Improving teaching, especially in reading and writing, to at least a good standard by sharing good teaching that already exists, using a consistent marking system, making sure pupils are always challenged and ensure lessons move forward.

Improving leadership by speeding up teaching improvements, ensuring assessments take account the impact teaching has on pupil progress and providing a programme to ensure pupils practice reading and writing skills in other subjects.

Strengths of the school included children in the Early Years Foundation Stage making good progress and the behaviour of the pupils.

The inspectors added: “The school is improving.

“The acting deputy head and new acting headteacher have made good starts.”

In its last inspection in March 2011 the school was graded satisfactory.