Market Drayton primary school celebrates good Ofsted report

A Shropshire primary school has been praised by Government inspectors for its standard of teaching, saying pupils are enthusiastic and keen to learn.

Longlands Primary School in Market Drayton has been declared a “good” school in its recent inspection, improving from “satisfactory” when it was last inspected.

Ofsted inspectors visited the school on 27 and 28 November 2012 and were impressed with the progress being made by pupils, commenting on the good levels of behaviour and high standard of teaching.

Inspectors said:

“Teaching is generally good and some is outstanding.  All teachers and other adults work really well together to ensure that pupils who need extra help make good progress.  Behaviour is good because staff set clear boundaries and focus on rewards for making the right choices.  Pupils are eager to learn.”

The report highlights the good leadership at the school, which provides a good platform for further improvement in the future.  Inspectors also said pupils feel safe and enjoy being at school.

The report said:

“The two joint headteachers have an ambitious vision for the school and are effective leaders.  All staff and governors share their commitment and determination to make teaching and learning outstanding for the pupils.

“Pupils enjoy being at the school and have a real hunger for learning.  This is clear from their improving attendance and punctuality, the excellent presentation of the work in their books and from their formal conversations with inspectors.”

Joint headteachers, Kim Stokes and Marie Manton, said they were delighted with the report, and praised the hard work of pupils and staff.

Mrs Stokes said:

“We are delighted that the hard work and commitment of the staff which has gone in to making Longlands a good school has been recognised.  Mrs Manton and I are ambitious for Longlands, and we’re determined to continue to drive our good school forward. It is great to see this acknowledged by the inspectors in print.”

Councillor Cecilia Motley, Shropshire Council Cabinet member for education and skills, added:

“It’s a pleasure to see such a positive report, which highlights so many positive aspects of the school.  I know how hard the headteachers and governors have worked to raise standards at Longlands, and I have no doubt they will continue to do so.”