The official watchdog Ofsted has given Hangleton Junior School an improved report.
Three inspectors rated the school as “good” after a two-day visit last month. This is the second-highest grade out of four. Only “outstanding” is better.
The last time inspectors checked the school, almost exactly two years ago, their verdict was “satisfactory”. This was the third best grade out of four. It has been replaced by the term “requires improvement”.
Ofsted said that the school was good because
- Pupils make good progress and achieve well. Standards in reading, writing and mathematics have risen since the previous inspection.
- Senior leaders and governors have worked successfully to improve the quality of teaching and accelerate pupils’ progress.
- Staff morale is high. Teamwork is a strength, with staff united in their commitment to the success and well-being of every pupil.
- Pupils feel safe and very well looked after. They appreciate being known and valued as individuals.
- Teaching is generally good. Teachers capture pupils’ interest and encourage them to think for themselves and show initiative. Teaching assistants play a very effective part in helping pupils to learn well. Support for disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs is excellent.
- The warm and trusting relationships throughout the school underpin pupils’ enjoyment of learning and school life. Pupils behave well, are kind and show consideration for others.
Ofsted said that the school was not yet outstanding because
- There is not enough outstanding teaching and a small amount requires improvement.
- Marking does not always pinpoint how pupils can improve their work, especially in mathematics.
- Sometimes, the pace of lessons is too slow and questioning is not used to best effect.
- Effective practice in the teaching of mathematics has not been fully shared.
Head teacher Glenn Livingstone and Kate Matthews, who chairs the governors, said in a joint letter: “We are proud of the report.
“This is a fantastic achievement and shows significant improvement on our previous inspection in March 2012. The effort of our whole community has ensured success.”
They said that the inspectors were able to see, through surveys and discussions, that parents and staff were working together for the good of the children.
To read the report, which was published on Monday (10 March), click here.
