Readers will remember that back in September Ofsted released an inspection report which found that Niton Primary school had been deemed Inadequate in almost all areas.
On 7th October, the Inspector wrote to the school with her findings of the first Section 8 inspection and was able to provide a very positive report.
Changes to staffing
As reported in September, the Head Teacher, Ingrid Ramsdale-Capper, has been on long-term sick leave and Consultant Head Teacher, Martin Lee, had been appointed on a part-time basis.
Following the July inspection, Mr Lee has now become full-time Head Teacher for the school and two permanent teachers have left. Another two teachers are currently on maternity leave.
The report also advises that one permanent teacher has been appointed in Year 6 and one teacher has joined the school on a temporary contract until Easter.
In addition, a new Chair of the Governing Body has been appointed.
Significant support from Hampshire
The inspector recognised that the school has “received significant support from Hampshire to produce a school improvement plan which complements the local authority’s detailed statement of action.”
The culture within the school is also reported as showing significant improvement as staff feel more involved in making decisions. One member of staff stated, “Our opinions really matter.”
Significant improvements
The inspector highlighted some of the improvements being made:
- Interim milestones have been identified, against which leaders are to evaluate the impact of school initiatives
- Introduction of basic management systems, such as regular performance management meetings and targets for teachers that are linked to the progress that pupils need to make
- Job descriptions are being reviewed
- Pupil progress meetings are now due to take place every half term
- Revisions to the marking policy and the tracking system
Well done to all involved. It’s great to see improvement taking place so quickly.
For those who wish to see the full detail, the report is embedded below for your convenience.
