A HEADTEACHER has voiced her disappointment after her school was rated ‘inadequate’ in its latest Ofsted inspection.
Head of St George’s Church of England First School, Caroline Redfern was absent at the time of the inspection in November 2016, but has said they are ‘confident’ in the planned improvements for the school.
The school, which has a high number of pupils with English as a second language, was found to be inadequate in a number of areas, including leadership and management, quality of teaching, learning and assessment, outcomes for pupils and Early Years provision.
The Stevenson Avenue school has 222 pupils and has been put into special measures following the inspection which noted too little was expected of pupils at the school which was rated as ‘good’ at its last inspection four years ago.
Inspectors said the school must improve the quality of teaching across the board and accelerate pupil progress by immersing them in language so they acquire and apply spoken and written vocabulary.
Attention should also be given to regular assessments, lesson planning and tailoring lessons to suit children of all abilities.
However the education watchdog also found most pupils were proud of their school and told inspectors the best thing about it was the teachers, because they were so helpful.
The school was also a place where pupils felt safe, free of fear of bullying and listened to.
The report also praised the teaching assistants for leading interesting and purposeful activities.
Chair of governors at the school, Jane Potter, declined to comment but Mrs Redfern said: “Whilst we are very disappointed with the outcome of the Ofsted inspection, we acknowledge the findings and have already started to address those areas highlighted as in need of improvement.
“We are working closely with the local authority and have a clear understanding of what needs to be done to improve outcomes for pupils.
“We are confident that planned improvements for the future and the changes that already have taken place will ensure all children at St George’s School will flourish.”
