Hope CE Primary School committed to improve in response to critical Ofsted report

Staff and governors at a Shropshire primary school are working with the council to address the outcomes of a recent report from Government inspectors.

The Ofsted inspection, which took place at Hope CE Primary School, judged that whilst the majority of pupils make satisfactory progress and the most able pupils often find work stimulating and challenging, pupils with special educational needs and disabilities do not make enough progress in years 3 to 6.

The inspection concluded that the school currently requires special measures because it is failing to give these pupils an acceptable standard of education.

The school is working very closely with advisers from the council to ensure that the measures needed to bring about the improvements are put in place.  Government inspectors will return at regular intervals to check on the progress the school is making and that improvements are happening at the pace required.

Although inspectors also raised concerns over areas of leadership and management, the report highlights a number of strengths.  In particular it was noted that there were good standards of discipline throughout the school, that pupils behave well, have good attitudes to learning and want to do well, and that they have a mature outlook on life.

The inspection also reported some good examples of teaching, and said parents and carers were pleased with the quality of teaching.

Headteacher, Karen Mosedale, said:

“We are already working on the issues raised by the inspector. An action plan is in place to take the school forward, focused on the key priorities.  Staff and governors are fully committed to moving the school forward and we are already making progress.”

Councillor Cecilia Motley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for schools, added:

“It is pleasing that the report highlighted the positive aspects about the school, but it is clear that there are issues that need to be addressed.  The headteacher, staff and governors have already begun work with the support of advisers from the council to address these priorities.  We are all committed to making the necessary improvements to ensure the best possible provision for all pupils of Hope Primary School.”

The school sent home a copy of the Ofsted report to all parents yesterday (Tuesday 28 February 2012).