Achievement is Good and Standards are Above Average

Wooler First School received a glowing report from Ofsted following their inspection in March.

It is 6 years since the school was inspected by Ofsted and today’s report is very pleasing for everyone concerned. Ofsted found that it continues to be a good school with some outstanding features, which parents value greatly. Ofsted also found that the school provides good value for money.

Headteacher, Deborah Currans said. “This is such a positive achievement and it acknowledges the work done by so many – staff, governors, our parents and friends of the school, not to mention the children! Whilst we knew we were doing well, it is encouraging to have this recognised by an external body such as Ofsted.”

Under the new inspection system, schools are given very little notice that the inspectors are coming, therefore Ofsted get a more accurate picture of what a school is really like. Schools are inspected under the five main headings of:
• overall effectiveness,
• achievement and standards,
• personal development and well-being,
• quality of provision,
• leadership and management.

Each area is graded on a scale of 1 to 4. Wooler First School achieved a grade of 2, ‘good’, in each area with some aspects being scored as 1, ‘outstanding’.

“Children join the school with standards that are average and leave it with standards that are above average.” wrote Margaret Shepherd, Ofsted Inspector. Teaching and learning are judged to be good. “Writing remains a strength, with pupils producing lively and interesting work.” The school is very successful in providing equal opportunities, resulting in good achievement across all groups of children. “Pupils with special educational needs” she continues “make very good progress because teachers and support staff work very skilfully with individuals in lessons.”

The inspector found that the school provides a well-balanced and interesting curriculum; using visitors and visits out very effectively to enrich pupils’ learning experiences. This has a positive impact on their academic and personal development.

Not only are children doing well academically, but they are happy and thriving. Pupils are well prepared for their future lives.
The report highlights how the children enjoy coming to school. “Behaviour is outstanding around the school and in lessons. Pupils thoroughly enjoy their learning and settle quickly to complete their tasks.”

The report continues “Pupils willingly take responsibility for each other, with older pupils caring for younger pupils in the context of one big happy family.”

Sarah Davidson, Chair of Governors, is delighted by the report.

“I am confident in the leadership of the school and have been very pleased with the continuing, successful academic achievements.”

Ofsted recognised the good quality leadership and management of the senior staff and governors, with the Headteacher providing very effective leadership. Mrs Currans has a clear vision for taking the school forward, ensuring that the school steadily develops its provision, whilst sustaining its existing strengths.

Mrs Davidson went on to say:

“It is also really good to see the school being recognised for its caring ethos and the provision it makes for spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. The inspector’s comments demonstrate the central role the school plays within the local community. The Governing Body has a responsibility to ensure that this role continues, and that our close links with Wooler and the wider community are maintained and strengthened.”

In her follow-up letter to the children, Margaret Shepherd thanked them for being so welcoming, and said that she had thoroughly enjoyed their impromptu song and dance performance!

Wooler First School’s Ofsted report can be viewed on the Ofsted website (www.ofsted.gov.uk)

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You can read or print the full summary of the March 2007 Inspection Report in PDF Format by clicking here: