School out of special measures in a year
Last updated at 14:14, Thursday, 23 June 2011
A LAKE District primary school has been taken out of special measures just over a year after it was deemed to be failing.
Ofsted ruled that Coniston C of E Primary School was below expected standards when inspectors visited in April last year.
The education watchdog lifted the special measures when it inspected the school last month, and noted vast improvements under the leadership of acting headteacher, Zena Lines.
The Ofsted report said: “This is a rapidly improving and happy school.
“The acting headteacher, having taken charge of the school shortly after its last inspection, has been highly effective in working with staff, pupils, parents, carers and external partners to ensure the school is not only a much happier place, but also an environment conducive to learning.
“There has been a resulting swing in the school’s culture from one of passive learning, low morale and having to deal with behavioural issues, to one of carefully planned teaching with a focus on accelerating learning, a much happier environment and good behaviour.”
The report also said that attainment had risen across the school.
Ms Lines told the Evening Mail: “We are thrilled to have come out of special measures, but doubly thrilled that we have done it so quickly.
“I can’t fault the support we have had at Coniston in order to bring this around.
“The teachers have worked incredibly hard. They are under pressure anyway, but in special measures they really are scrutinised and are under the microscope and monitored vigorously throughout the year.
“It is also in conjunction with the children. They have worked really hard and done their bit.
“The governors have pulled together. The community and parents have been supportive and we’ve had an extensive amount of work from the local authority.”
A new permanent headteacher, Rachel Hindle, has been appointed and begins her duties in September. She is moving from a headteaching role in York.
Ms Lines will return to her position at South Walney Junior School.
First published at 13:10, Thursday, 23 June 2011
Published by http://www.walneylocal.co.uk
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