Clear plans in place at Shropshire school to make improvements

A new headteacher and governors have “clear plans” in place to make the progress needed at a Shropshire primary school, inspectors have reported after a recent inspection. 

Ofsted inspectors who recently visited St Mary’s Church of England Primary School in Shawbury noted good aspects of the school, but also highlighted a number of areas that require improvement.  They gave the school a rating of ‘inadequate’, adding that there was commitment and work already taking place to raise standards. 

The strengths recognised included how “pupils enjoy school, are polite and courteous and support one another”, and inspectors commented that “many pupils are eager to learn and can be motivated to do so”.  Inspectors also noted that the “positive relationships between pupils as well as with staff make for a peaceful atmosphere”, and that attendance is above average. 

Inspectors praised how “pupils make good progress in the reception class”, said that pupils are “clear that there is an expectation of good behaviour”, and noted that “subjects and topics taught make a positive contribution to pupils’ personal development”.  They found that pupils enjoy the opportunities that are created for them through extra activities and trips, as well as the school’s links to a Royal Air Force base. 

The report also outlined how the help teaching assistants give makes a positive difference to the achievement of pupils eligible for the pupil premium, pupils with disabilities, and those who have special educational needs, and that the expansion of the governing body since merging with Shawbury Primary School had been successful. 

The areas for the school to focus on to remove it from the special measures it requires are improving teaching where necessary, leadership and management roles of some staff, and increasing the rate at which pupils make progress in mathematics. 

The recommendations include developing the skills and increasing the effectiveness of senior leaders so that they successfully support the headteacher in improving standards, and creating more opportunities for pupils to develop their skills in mathematics in a variety of subjects and real-life situations. 

On the capacity to make these improvements, the inspectors’ report said: “The recently appointed headteacher is very clear as to what has to be done to make the school better. The school’s action plans set out clearly the vision of the headteacher and governors, and there are sharp measures of success against which progress can be measured.” 

Sally Johnson , St Mary’s CE Primary School headteacher, said:

“The recent Ofsted inspection recognised that the drive for improvement and our focus on securing quality teaching and learning opportunities for all of our children have already been made a priority. 

“We are committed to ensuring that all staff and governors work together with parents and children to make the required improvements, whilst continuing to ensure that our children are safe and happy and enjoy learning.” 

Karen Bradshaw, Shropshire Council’s director of children’s services, said:

“We are working closely with the school to raise standards. 

“The report acknowledges that progress is already being made because the new headteacher is working effectively with council advisers and governors, putting new subject leaders in place and strengthening the focus on enhancing the quality of teaching. 

“We are all determined to make the necessary improvements to ensure that the school is giving pupils the best possible start in life.” 

Inspectors will return at regular intervals to check on the progress the school is making.