Primary school requires improvement

EDUCATION watchdogs have ruled that a Warrington primary school “requires improvement” – although there is considerable evidence of progress in raising standards.
Callands Primary cannot be classed as a “good” school for a range of reasons, say Ofsted inspectors.
Not enough pupils make better than expected progress, particularly the most able, in reading, writing and mathematics.
Teaching requires improvement because pupils are not consistently challenged.
Marking of work does not consistently show pupils how they can improve – and pupils do not get enough opportunities to develop and extend literacy and mathematical skills.
Middle leaders are not fully involved in checking the quality of teaching or pupils’ achievements – and governors do not robustly challenge teachers.
However, the inspectors note considerable evidence of progress in raising
standards at the school.
The interim headteacher and the deputy headteacher manage the school well in the absence of the headteacher.
They have continued the good management, previously begun by the headteacher, and successfully eradicated inadequate teaching, started to raise staff morale and improve pupils’ achievement.”
The report also found that:
*Behaviour is good. Pupils say and, their parents agree, that they feel safe in school.
*Pupils enjoy going to school and this is reflected in above average attendance.
*There are good relationships between staff and pupils; every child is treated equally and there is a caring and inclusive atmosphere in the school.
*Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage make good progress in all areas of learning.
*There is some good and, occasionally, outstanding teaching. This has led to pupils’ attainment improving well in Key Stage 1.
*In some Key Stage 2 classes, such as in an outstanding Year 3 mathematics lesson, pupils made rapid progress because the work on fractions was challenging and very well-matched to the pupils’ interests and abilities.
Furthermore, pupils showed determination and resilience as they worked both independently and in groups.
*Pupils eligible for the pupil premium funding, disabled pupils and those with special educational needs make good progress from their individual starting points.
*The curriculum has engaging topics that promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development well.
Interim headteacher Lyndsey Glass said: “We have already been making changes since the inspection.
“Targets set for teachers now concentrate on raising pupils’ achievement, and are linked to training and to teachers’ salary progression. Governors are now more actively
involved in the checking of the staff’s performance and setting clear targets for improvement.
“Over the next 12 months we will build on our strengths and develop the areas identified for improvement. The school is confidently making progress.”