Niton children on the playing field

Celebrations as primary school lifted out of Special Measures

Congratulations are in order for all at Niton Primary School. The school revealed this week that it had been lifted out of Special Measures and was now rated as ‘Requires Improvement’.

The school was deemed Inadequate in September 2013, but made fast progress over the following 18 months to improve with the help of Executive head teacher, Duncan Mills.

The school has now been rated as ‘Good’ in three of the five categories and ‘Requires Improvement’ in two.

Outstanding aspirations
Mr Mills said,

“I’m delighted that the inspectors have recognised the hard-work and dedication of the team here at Niton. Being in special measures has been challenging but it’s testament to everyone involved with the school that together we have been able to make this remarkable turn-around.

“I’d also like to thank parents for their support and look forward to working with them to make Niton an outstanding school in the South Wight area.”

Improvements needed
In order to be a good school, the inspectors said Niton needs to:

Improve the quality of teaching and the rates in pupils’ progress, particularly in writing and mathematics, by ensuring that:

  • teachers use their knowledge of pupils’ abilities to set work at the right level
  • teachers have consistently high expectations of what the most able pupils can achieve
  • pupils are provided with sufficient time to improve their work and to respond to adults’ comments
  • older pupils have regular opportunities to practise their spelling, grammar and punctuation in order
  • to improve their vocabulary in written work
  • teachers provide pupils with the resources they need to support their learning
  • adults receive appropriate training in teaching calculation skills.

Governors: “Excellent news”
Chair of Governors Jon Bartholomew said,

“This is excellent news. We have a clear understanding of what is needed to drive up standards further and I’m confident that together we will continue to strive for the best possible education for the community of Niton. Well done to everyone connected with the school.”

The report
Full details in the report below. Click on the full screen icon below to see larger version.