AVELEY primary has become the first school in Thurrock to be graded “requires improvement” under Education minister, Michael Gove’s new grades.
Up until a few months ago, the school on the High Street would have marked as satisfactory but the school have now been given a rating that seems more akin to the dreaded “notice to improve” or “special measures”.
The key criticisms in the report are:
1.Although improving, the standard of pupils’ work is below average.
2.Pupils’ progress varies from year to year and class to class.
3.Some groups, such as the more-able pupils, and some whole classes are not making sufficient progress.
4.Pupils do not make good progress in their writing.
5.The teaching in some classes requires improvement.
6.Teachers miss opportunities to question pupils in a way that results in an improvement in learning.
7.Sometimes, pupils are given work that is too hard for them; at other times, the work is too easy.
8.Lessons do not provide sufficient opportunity for pupils to learn independently.
9.The governing body and the school’s leaders are not rigorous enough in holding teachers to account for the progress which individual pupils or groups of pupils make in their classes.
The inspection reports stressed what the good points about the school.
1. Less-able pupils progress well.
2.Relationships between staff and pupils are positive.
3.When given the opportunity, pupils support each other to learn well.
4.The teaching in some classes is good.
5.Pupils’ behaviour is good and they feel safe at
school.
6.Boys, girls and pupils from different backgrounds play together well.
7.Pupils understand what bullying is, and they feel it rarely happens in the school.
8.The school has good relationships with parents.
9. Leaders, managers and governors have brought about some improvements over the last year. They have eradicated inadequate teaching and have improved pupils’ progress in mathematics and English.
Headteacher of Aveley Primary School Nicola Shadbolt said: “Together with the Governing Body, we acknowledge the decision of the new and more rigorous Ofsted inspection regime.
“We are committed to working very hard to implement the improvements recommended and want the school to make even more progress in the future.
“We take heart that many of the school‟s strengths were also highlighted. Our pupils continue to improve and progress in mathematics and english.
Their behaviour is good and the children feel safe at school.”
Ms Shadbolt added, “I am confident that, with the support of my dedicated staff, we will meet this latest challenge.”
Hardly a victim! Sounds like the inspectors got in there just in time, the list of problems is a long one and all those points absolutely need addressing and putting straight. I mean, point 4 in the list of good things says it all, “The teaching in some classes is good.” which means that the teaching in most is poor and none is excellent.
I need to respond to the previous comment which seems to have confused this report. Stating that point 4 of positive points ‘teaching in some classes requires improvement’ means teaching in most is poor. As such, point 5 of the improvement points states that ”teaching in some classes requires improvement’ So – does this then mean that teaching in most is good, or better?
Point 9 clearly shows this to be an improving school where ‘inadequate teaching has been eradicated … (With) improved progress in maths and English.
Close reading of the new inspection framework is required to fully understand that every required element must be achieved for the good label to be given. The positives at this school appear to be working towards that achievement. Good luck to the children, staff and parents. Keep it up.