School good – but not yet outstanding

STAFF and governors work effectively as a strong team to achieve their shared vision for St Elfin’s CE Primary School, Warrington – and the result is a “good” school, according to education watchdog Ofsted.
But it is not yet an outstanding school because the quality of teaching is not outstanding overall – and pupils’ attendance has dipped to below average.
Overall, however, the Ofsted inspectors say the school is good.
Teaching is good, with some of it outstanding.
The teachers assess pupils’ learning well, planning is good and teaching assistants use their skills well and contribute to pupils’ learning.
Pupils have good attitudes to learning, they feel safe in school and contribute well to school life.
There is praise for the headteacher who has moved the school on rapidly since her appointment two years ago and all staff and governors have rallied behind her and work effectively as a strong team to achieve their shared vision for the school.
Inspectors also noted that the governing body has a good understanding of how well the school works and how good it can become.
But Ofsted make some recommendations to help the school further improve the quality of teaching and attendance.
The quality of teaching should be raised, using the outstanding teaching as a model for all lessons.
Pupils should be given clearer guidance about how well they have done and what they need to do next.
The school should ensure that in every lesson, pupils’ behaviour is managed effectively.
Attendance should be improved until it is at least in line with the national average.
Headteacher Mary Cummings said: “We are really pleased with the report, especially as this is the first time we have been assessed under the new Ofsted framework, and that there is significant recognition of all the good work that goes on in our school due to the high aspirations of staff and governors who work effectively as a strong team.”
Chairman of governors, the Rev Michael Finlay, said: “I would like to thank everyone for their continued support for the school and we will carry on working together to provide the best education and learning environment for our pupils.”