This in from Chris Whitehouse, in his own words, Ed
Cllr Chris Whitehouse (Cons. Newport West) last week visited Newport Church of England Primary School and praised the Leadership Team for the progress they are making in turning around the school which had previously been found to be “inadequate” during an Ofsted inspection in April and put into special measures.
Cllr Whitehouse, who as well as being the local ward councillor also leads for the Conservative Group of Isle of Wight Councillors on Education, says:
“The Acting Headteacher, Jerry Seaward, and his colleagues are making good progress in turning this school around. They have clearly identified where there are specific weaknesses and have put in place determined plans to address them. There is no doubt that they are now moving in the right direction.”
Mentoring programme
After a tour of the school, Mr Seaward shared with Cllr Whitehouse the school’s Plan of Action.
Cllr Whitehouse also warmly welcomed the school’s innovative “mentoring programme” adding:
“Virtually all the teaching staff at the school have agreed, in addition to their normal duties, to dedicate an hour a week after school to mentoring a small group of between one and three pupils each. This is enabling focussed, bespoke support to be delivered so that all the children have the opportunity to catch up if they were behind and to fill in any crucial gaps in their knowledge.
“I warmly welcome this dedication by the staff, it is just what is needed and I am sure parents who live locally in my ward of Newport West will be greatly encouraged and very pleased indeed.”
Appreciate the support and encouragement
Commenting after the visit, Jerry Seaward, who was seconded in September by Christ the King College to serve as Acting Head of the Primary school added:
“We very much appreciate the support and encouragement we have received from the community, from Christ the King College, from Hampshire and from Isle of Wight Council officers. We are determined to continue to drive the changes required to achieve the best possible outcomes for our children.”
