School celebrates improved Ofsted rating (From Gazette Series)

Cam Woodfield Junior School celebrates improved Ofsted rating

8:30am Monday 21st January 2013 in News By Daniel Chipperfield

TEACHERS and parents alike are swelling with pride as the good behaviour of pupils at Cam Woodfield Junior School has led to an improved Ofsted rating.

The primary school in Elstub Lane received a "good" rating for overall effectiveness and an "outstanding" rating for behaviour and safety of the 161 children after the inspection in December.

It was a noted improvement on the school’s previous inspection three years ago after receiving a "satisfactory" rating.

In his report, lead inspector John Eadie said the pupils' behaviour and safety were outstanding.

"Pupils say that they feel very safe. They are extremely proud of their school and act as excellent ambassadors for it, receiving many plaudits for their behaviour on visits," he said.

"A particular strength is pupils’ keenness to learn, which is exceptionally strong."

The report also mentioned that a particular strength was pupils’ attitudes to their learning, with lessons typified by enthusiasm and determination and that there was no hint of giving up when tasks are hard.

Headteacher Jan Cowley, who has headed the school for the last seven years, said she was delighted with the result.

"We were very disappointed when we had our last report, and then of course you are stuck with it for three years," she said.

"We were quite determined we would pull ourselves out of that category. The ethos at the school is always very community based, very friendly."

Chairman of the school governors Paul Greenwood said they were all extremely proud of the school.

"We are going from strength to strength. Ofsted recognised the good links with parents and carers which was hugely positive," he said.

"They summed our feelings up when they said the improvements since the last inspection, and the shared determination of all staff and governors, indicate that the school is well placed to continue to improve."

Ms Cowley wanted to thank the teachers and governors as well as the parents and pupils for all their hard work and said the school was not about to rest on its laurels.

"We are aiming to get an outstanding next time. We have got the children’s futures in our hands, it is our responsibility that they achieve the maximum they can be," she said.

"What came out is what a good team we are here. The parents love the school but the children are our biggest asset and it is a pleasure to be here everyday."