School's Ofsted success

From the The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald, first published Monday 30th Jan 2006.

STAFF and pupils at Somerfords Walter Powell Primary School celebrated a glowing Ofsted report this week.

An inspector visited the school, which has 46 pupils, in November and said it was heading firmly in the right direction.

It was described as a caring and orderly environment.

They said the headteacher, Terry Hall, had shown good leadership in bringing stability and a sense of purpose to the school.

Mrs Hall said everyone was thrilled with the results, especially as they have undergone a tough time with a number of staff changes.

"We are very pleased with the Ofsted report," she said. "The staff have worked very hard.

"The school has been through a difficult time, but the report reflects that we have worked very hard to put the school in a position where it is now ready to fly."

The inspector was particularly impressed with the pupils themselves and the support offered to them.

Mrs Hall said: "The inspector was very impressed with the children and we were given a rating of one, which is outstanding, for their behaviour and the report also says their personal development is good."

Referring to the pupils, the report said: "Pupils very much enjoy coming to school, are extremely well behaved and keen to learn.

"A good range of curricular activities and after school clubs provides valuable learning opportunities.

"Pupils say that they really like school and it is a friendly place, which they would recommend to anyone.

"They have very good attitudes to work and behave very well throughout the school day.

"Pupils with behavioural difficulties are catered for well and their behaviour is also very good.

"Pupils are encouraged by knowing that staff will always help them when they get stuck with their work.

"They feel safe from bullying because they say that the school deals with any concerns quickly."

The connection between staff and pupils was also highlighted as a key positive.

"In all lessons teachers have very good relationships with their pupils, which encourage them to respond very well. Lessons are well planned and resourced, including matching work to the wide variety of pupils' needs," it said.

In order to keep the school heading in the right direction, the inspector set down a number of areas for them to improve in.

These included Year Two writing and continuing to improve standards in maths.

The inspector said the school had turned itself into an educational establishment that parents could be proud to send their children to.

"Most parents are very pleased with what the school now offers after periods in the recent past when they had considerable worries. They have confidence in the headteacher and her staff."

A letter to the pupils from the inspector read: "You told me that you are very happy in your school and find everyone, but especially your teachers, friendly and kind. You also have a good headteacher. I can see why you would recommend your school to others."

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