Ofsted praise for improving school

Nov. 23, 2012 - PRLog -- A Bournemouth primary school has been praised by Ofsted for improvements in teaching and its “exceptionally good” partnerships with local businesses.

Following a recent visit to Heathlands Primary School in West Howe, inspectors also praised pupil behaviour and concluded their personal, social and emotional needs are well met.

It stated: “Improvement to the quality of teaching has had a positive impact on pupils’ achievement. In 2012 the school recorded their best ever assessments at the end of Year 2.

“Pupils get good, regular opportunities to read. The phonics screening for younger pupils showed pupils to be broadly in line with national levels.”

The inspectors, who watched nine lessons, listened to children read and chatted with parents, carers and staff, concluded: “It is an improving school. Greater staffing stability has enabled the development of skilled, rigorous and knowledgeable leaders and managers, including governors, who have brought improvement to many areas of the school’s life, including the quality of teaching.”

The report made the case for further work to raise teaching standards and pupil attainment in some areas. It added: “Exceptionally good partnerships exist. Business partnerships have aided literacy as well as information and communication technology resources.”

Headteacher Sarah Dunn said: “We welcome this report; many of the recommendations are already underway and our children are reaping the rewards. This year we achieved our best ever SATS results, with marked improvements in English and maths.  

“As a school in one of the region’s most deprived areas we are incredibly proud of the considerable progress children make during their time here - many are below national standards when they start school and their attainment goes up remarkably during their time here.”