Buntingsdale school determined to rapidly improve

A primary school near Market Drayton is confident that it can continue to make the necessary changes identified within its recent Ofsted inspection in order to secure and sustain improvements at the school. 

The inspection at Buntingsdale primary school, Tern Hill, took place in January 2013 and the report has been published today (Tuesday 5 February 2013). 

The report says that the headteacher provides “good… strong leadership”, and that together with the governing body the school has “strengthened the school’s effectiveness by making good teaching and leadership appointments.”  The inspector also found that “leaders know what needs to be done and they are implementing the right things through a range of strategies”, stating that “governors and staff share the headteacher’s drive to rapidly improve the school.”

The overall findings of the report are that the quality of teaching, the achievement of pupils and leadership and management all require improvement, but it acknowledges that “considerable staffing changes” have hindered the school’s capacity to make improvements at a fast enough rate.  It also emphasises that the school has “already taken decisive action” to make the required changes.

The inspection noted that the behaviour and safety of pupils is good, saying that “they behave well, feel safe and enjoy being at school.  The atmosphere within the school makes a positive contribution to learning.”

The report says that spiritual, moral, social and cultural diversity is promoted well and “there is a strong focus on developing pupils’ social responsibilities”.

It also highlights that “partnerships and close links with a range of organisations provide timely support to pupils and families, that pupil premium funding is used well and the school has well developed strategies to support pupils overcome barriers to learning”.

Hilary Alcock, Headteacher, said:

“We are pleased that the inspection acknowledged the challenging circumstances the school has needed to deal with in recent years, and that the right strategies are now in place to sustain improvements.  Staff and governors are fully committed to moving the school forward and we are already making good progress.”

Cecilia Motley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for education and skills, said:

“Though the report concludes that the school requires improvement in a number of areas, it’s encouraging that it recognises the good leadership and the efforts that are being made to improve the school, and the challenges that the school has faced.  I am confident that the school leadership and governors will now oversee rapid improvements at the school.”