Ofsted Praises Impressive and Rapid Improvement as Whitley Park Primary Achieves ‘Good’ Rating

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Ofsted Praises Impressive and Rapid Improvement as Whitley Park Primary Achieves ‘Good’ Rating

24/06/2015
Reading Borough Council Press Release

STAFF and children at Whitley Park Primary and Nursery School are celebrating after receiving a ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted.

The school in Brixham Road was identified as having Serious Weaknesses when it was inspected in December 2013 but the latest report from inspectors says the school has made “impressive and rapid improvement.”

Ofsted inspectors who visited the school earlier this month awarded ‘Good’ ratings for leadership and management, behaviour and safety of pupils, quality of teaching, achievement of goals and early years provision – resulting in an overall ‘Good’ rating.

The report says pupil’s achievement and behaviour and standards of teaching have all improved markedly and all areas for improvement have been fully addressed.

It adds the head teacher’s determination to raise standards is shared by all staff and is recognised as successful by parents and carers and the local authority.

The report continues that teachers have high expectations and plan thoroughly to ensure pupils make good progress in English and mathematics.

It notes that just over half the pupils at Whitley Park Primary come from white British backgrounds and the remainder of the pupils come from a wide range of ethnic groups and some speak English as an additional language.

The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs is well above average.

Inspectors said the behaviour of pupils had improved significantly and they behave well in and out of lessons and show courtesy and consideration for others.

The report particularly praises the school’s leadership and management for placing a high priority on raising achievement and promoting high-quality teaching.

It says: “This has resulted in a significant improvement in standards of achievement and the quality of teaching since the previous inspection.”

The nursery, which teaches more than 100 children, is praised for the quality of the experience children receive which is maintained in the Reception Year where children are taught well.

Councillor Tony Jones, Reading’s lead councillor for education, said:

 “This Ofsted report is excellent news and a testament to the hard work of head teacher Karen Salter and her team at Whitley Park Primary.

“Inspectors have noted significant improvement since their last visit and I would like to congratulate everyone at the school for making such rapid progress.

“This is a good example of what we are striving for across all Reading schools, as set out in the council’s Raising Achievement Strategy which is currently out to consultation.”

Head teacher Karen Salter said:

 “The staff at Whitley Park Primary have always shown commitment and determination to ensure that our school provides the best possible outcomes for our children.

“I’m delighted that this has been recognised by Ofsted and I feel privileged to be working with such a dedicated and talented team.

“I’m confident that the school will continue to grow and move from strength to strength.”

Neil Dunnet, chair of governors, said:

 “I’m delighted that the enormous hard work of Karen and all her staff has been recognised from the Ofsted inspection.

“The rating of ‘Good’ for each area of focus, as well as overall, is fantastic and we look forward to building further on our success.”

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

Reading Borough Council is currently consulting on the Educational Achievement and School Improvement Strategy which aims to bring the borough within the top 25 per cent of local authority areas for educational achievement.

The strategy documents are now available online at: http://beta.reading.gov.uk/readingeducationconsultation for residents to read and give their comments by July 17th.

It will be discussed at a meeting of the Adult Social Care, Children’s Services and Education Committee on Monday 29th June.

Media Contact: David Millward
Tel: (0118) 937 4289