Two Western Pupils Celebrate a Moment of Excellence.
Western Primary School has been judged as a Grade 3, Requiring Improvement in its latest Ofsted Report. This is a change from the previous report in June 2011 that had graded the school as Good with outstanding features.
The change in rating is largely a result of a new framework that Ofsted use to judge schools and has been implemented since Western’s last inspection in 2011. The framework places an increased emphasis on the Achievement data relating to the children’s progress as determined by their performance in the Year 6 SAT tests. Whilst the school’s results in these tests over the last three years were higher generally than the national average, this was not the case for all groups and it is not possible to achieve a Good grade in these circumstances.
Ofsted Inspectors spent two days at Western and, in contrast to the grade, recognised many positive aspects of the school in their informal feedback, stating that “the children are a credit to the school and their parents”. Furthermore, teaching was considered to be “effective” and the children were praised for being engaged, enthusiastic and polite. As the report acknowledges, the Leadership Team was aware of the areas that require improvement under the new framework and many measures are already in place to address them.
Headteacher Cheryl Smith said:
We are disappointed that the positive feedback received from Ofsted Inspectors on the overall success and ethos of the school was not reflected in the grade. Going forward, we shall work to address the data that is required under the new Ofsted framework, and are committed to getting the school to an outstanding Ofsted rating.
As part of the inspection process, Ofsted asked parents to complete an online Parentview Survey and support for the school was clear: 96% of parents who responded said they would recommend the school to other parents, 96% strongly agreed or agreed that their child is well taught, and 100% said that their child was happy at the school.
Chair of Governors, Teresa Brooke said:
Western children are confident individuals who develop and thrive on a love of learning. We are extremely proud of the standards and culture of the school. The Governors are unanimous in their confidence and support for Mrs Smith and her excellent staff.
The full report can be viewed at: www.western.n-yorks.sch.uk or www.ofsted.gov.uk
