Congratulations to all at Gatten & Lake Primary School who have managed to turn around their Ofsted rating from Special Measures to Good in just 16 months.
As reported earlier this year, inspections in January and March both showed continued improvement at the primary school which was placed in Special Measures in February 2012.
This is great news for the school prior to their move to new school premises in September.
Range of improvements
The latest inspection found the school to be ‘Good’ in all areas. They say,
- The school has changed enormously in the past year. All aspects of its work have improved.
- The school’s rapid improvement is the result of the headteacher’s very high expectations, strong leadership and clear direction. She has also built the skills and confidence of other leaders.
- Improving teaching has, rightly, been the top priority for senior leaders and members of the governing body. Teachers have been expected to teach well and helped to do so.
- Teaching is now typically good.
- The school has not just focused on English and mathematics. Pupils are also taught well in other subjects.
- Pupils make good progress. Most are working at levels close to those typically seen in most
schools. Pupils in Year 6 lost ground when they were younger, but they are now catching up
quickly. - Behaviour has also improved. Classrooms are calm and very purposeful. Pupils feel safe, are
polite and friendly. - Pupils’ attitudes to learning are a significant strength. They enjoy school. Pupils work very well on their own, and with each other, and are able to concentrate for long periods of time.
Improvements required
According to the report, just three areas of improvement are needed to bring the school up to Outstanding
- Teaching in a few lessons is less effective.
- There is little outstanding teaching.
- Attendance is below average. This is mainly because some parents and carers take their children on holiday during term time.
Cllr Priest, Cabinet member for Children and Young People told OnTheWight,
“As a former pupil at Gatten & Lake School (1966-1971) I am delighted with the progress made at the school, and congratulate the headteacher (Mrs Henshaw), the Governing Body, and all involved in the school – especially the students.
“The success of the school, with support of the local authority, reflects what can be achieved, as well as highlighting the strengths that exist on the Island, and the challenge is to replicate this across the Island and ensure that we meet the aspirations of all our children.
“I look forward to visiting the school in the near future, and in advance of the opening of the new Gatten & Lake School later this year.”
Lake South councillor, Ray Bloomfield, congratulated Gatten and Lake Primary School on its Ofsted result saying,
“To go from “special measures” to “good” in just 16 months is really quite an achievement. I congratulate all the staff and the governors. Well done indeed. This is a great way to prepare for moving into the new school building in September.”
Conservative Education Spokesman, Cllr Chris Whitehouse (Newport West), adds,
“This is a big step forward, but we need to see our Council, in its new partnership with Hampshire County Council, giving the school all the support it needs to achieve an “outstanding” result next time. Nothing less is good enough for the children of our Island.”
OnTheWight is awaiting a response from the school which we will include once received.
The report is embedded below for your convenience.
Image: Google Street View
