A SHAW school described as “friendly and welcoming” is celebrating after receiving a ‘good’ grading from Ofsted.
Youngsters also explain how they are able to ‘let our lights shine’ in all aspects of their education.
The inspection by Julie Barlow (lead inspector) and Bev Dolman took place on December 3-4. St George’s previously received ‘good’ gradings after a short inspection in May 2018 and St Georges, part of the Cranmer Education Trust, received its grading in:
• Quality of education
• Behaviour and attitudes
• Personal development
• Leadership and management
• Overall effectiveness at previous inspection.
However, in its ‘early years provision’ East Crompton St George’s was rated as ‘requiring improvement.’ The report states: “Expectations for children in reception are not high enough.”
Otherwise, the school is repeatedly praised, including headteacher, Rachel Ross: “The headteacher’s actions since her appointment have led to significant and rapid improvements.
“This has resulted in many changes to staffing and leadership at the school.
“Despite this, leaders have made sure pupils’ achievements continues to improve.”
Inspectors met with the headteacher and senior leaders, spoke to the trust’s chief executive officer and five governors.
It added: “We spoke to many pupils. We observed pupils during the school day, including at lunchtimes.
“We spoke to parents and carers at the beginning of the school day and considered the 22 responses to Parent View, Ofsted’s online questionnaire.
“We also considered the 11 responses to the staff questionnaire and the 20 responses to the online pupils’ questionnaire.”
Commenting on the report, Mrs Ross said: “I am extremely proud of our Ofsted GOOD.
“Staff have and are working extremely hard to make sure that our quality of teaching is of the highest standard and one which the children we serve are owed.”
Chair of Governors Tom Keeley, who only joined the new local governing body in 2019, added: “It is a great outcome.
“Everyone is working very hard to get the best for the children.
“There is plenty still to do but we know we can do it.
“School leadership, including governance, is very strong and ambitious for all our children. Overwhelmingly, parents recognise this.
“We know St George’s will be an outstanding school.”
The new Ofsted framework which started in September 2019 looks closely at the substance of education, what is taught and how it is taught.
Julie Hollis, CEO of the Cranmer Education Trust said: “We have come a long way with St George’s, staff and pupils have worked tremendously hard.
“The inspection outcome is testament to the collective effort since the school joined our Trust and in particular since the headteacher was appointed.
“We are looking forward to continuing our journey and developing rich opportunities for the young people we serve.”