A REDDITCH councillor has commended the changes a school has made following a recent Ofsted inspection.
In 2020, Coun Mike Rouse called for potential leadership change at Arrow Valley First School, then Roman Way First School, after it was labelled ‘inadequate’ in its Ofsted report.
The troubled school was put into Special Measures in 2020.
At the time inspectors said teachers didn’t appear to know how to teach the writing curriculum and that not all pupils were receiving the full maths curriculum.
They described the school’s leadership and management as ‘inadequate’ and the quality of education as ‘inadequate’.
According to the report, school leaders have failed to keep a close eye on what pupils are learning, leading them to miss out on key Mathematical knowledge.
Now it’s all change at the school with a new principal, Sarah Allen, formerly head of Abbeywood Infants School in Church Hill, also part of the Central Region Schools Trust family, taking charge.
They have now achieved a ‘Good’ rating at their latest inspection.
Sarah Allen, Principal of Arrow Valley First School, said: “It’s wonderful to receive confirmation in this report that the positive steps taken at Arrow Valley are helping us deliver the best outcomes and opportunities for our staff, pupils and families.
“I am particularly proud of the fact that it spotlights how our pupils are flourishing not only academically, but also emotionally, enabling them to grow into the community leaders of the future.
“I would like to express my thanks to all the parents, carers and families in the Arrow Valley community; their engagement and cooperation has been pivotal in delivering the transformation highlighted in the report, allowing us to give our pupils every opportunity to thrive.”
Coun Rouse added: “I’m delighted to hear Arrow Valley First School has been transformed, and under the fresh and superb leadership of Sarah Allen has achieved a ‘Good’ rating.
“As a parent with a child at this school I can see for myself how much better things are, including an improved governing body, I’m very impressed.”
