HAPPY pupils and staff are celebrating at St Paul’s C of E Primary School in Royton after two years of changes and hard work paid off with a ‘good’ rating from Ofsted.
The school on Hindle Drive, which prides itself on being ‘an inclusive, welcoming, family community’, came under the eye of inspectors in September.
Having previously been deemed to ‘require improvement’ at their inspection in March 2017, numerous changes were brought in to raise standards.
Their efforts paid off as inspectors rated the school ‘good’ in all five categories as well as for overall effectiveness.
The glowing report states: “Pupils are happy and secure and enjoy coming to school.
“Pupils present their work to a high standard. They behave and cooperate well with each other.
“Pupils look forward to their lessons and told us that they enjoy each subject. They are very excited about the school’s new reading books.
“Pupils say they appreciate the many opportunities for them to learn after school. These include a range of sports, music and art.
“All the pupils we spoke with said that they feel safe in the school. They know that their teachers will always take care of them.
“The school provides pupils with a good quality of education. Leaders ensures that pupils achieve strongly across subjects.
“The school provides effective support for pupils and staff in the mental health.
“The school community works together to ensure that pupils succeed in their education.”
Inspectors spent time meeting headteacher Hilary Henderson, the deputy headteacher, members of the senior team and members of the governing body.
They visited classrooms and spoke with pupils and teachers, looked at work in pupils’ books and listened to them read.
The views of pupils, staff and parents were considered through responses to Ofsted’s questionnaire.
Mrs Henderson, who took on the top role at the voluntary-aided C of E school of 234 pupils in January 2017, was thrilled at the outcome of the inspection.
“We’re delighted at the very positive comments and it is great for the community to see our improvement,” she said.
“The inspectors came in on September 11 and we had only been back in school for four days after the summer holiday!
“Also, we were the first school in the Manchester diocese to be inspected under Ofsted’s new framework, so the inspectors themselves were being inspected as well and it felt even more stringent.”
She continued: “We’re pleased they recognised a broad curriculum as one of our strengths as well as the opportunity to develop other skills including sport, music and art.”
She pointed to special initiatives such as headteacher for a day and Macmillan coffee mornings, as well as eco club, outdoor areas and reading areas which expand school life.
Janet Wright, chair of governors, added: “Mrs Henderson and the staff have worked tirelessly to improve the school in line with national curriculum expectations.
“The school has got what it deserves. There is such a friendly and calm feeling when you come in and it’s a lovely place to be.”
Pupil Zac commented: “It is a safe environment and friendly school. All the teachers are very nice and when you need help they are there for you.”
Nico said he enjoys using the daily mile track as it makes him feel more peaceful and he can talk to his friends while going around.
Lauren added: “We are all a big family” while Millie said: “Our learning is fun and exciting and teachers help us remember things.”