19/01/04 - Longtown Primary School does well in First Inspection

Parents, pupils and staff at Longtown Primary School have a lot to celebrate after the school’s first OFSTED inspection found that the school has “made considerable progress in its short life”.  The Inspectors praised the school’s staff saying they were good role models, provided good quality teaching and that the school had strong leadership.

Some of the highlights from the report are:

•       Pupils’ attitudes and behaviour have improved significantly since the new school opened.
•       Members of staff are very good role models 
•       No unsatisfactory teaching was observed.  All teaching is satisfactory or better, with 77% of lessons judged good or very good 
•       The school is socially inclusive and provides a relevant, balanced curriculum.  The school provides a good range of opportunities outside the constraints of the curriculum 
•       Care and guidance are effective because they are securely based on positive relationships 
•       Pupils with special educational needs are supported well and achieve well
•       There is good, shared commitment and sense of teamwork in school.  The tally of success so far is good and there are bright prospects for the future 

And some areas for development:

•       The confidence with which many children can express themselves, and the complexity of their spoken language, has marked limitations 
•       The school provides a good education for its pupils, (but standards overall in English Mathematics, Science and Information and Communication Technology are below average.)

Headteacher, David Ratcliff, says,

“There is plenty for us together as a school to do to maintain and improve.  However the Inspectors have stated that `the quality of teaching is good, and consequently the children learn well’.  That means that we are in a position to continue to develop, raising standards and achieving our goals.  Staff, pupils, parents and governors are committed to working together to ensure Longtown Primary School goes from strength to strength.” 

Frank Johnson, Chair of Governors says,

“On behalf of the governing body I would like to thank staff and pupils for their hard work.  I am pleased with this report and with the progress and development of the school.  The report highlights some of the excellent work taking place in school and some of the areas for development.  We will continue to build on our strengths and aim for continuous improvement and the best educational outcomes for our pupils.”