School improves under new head

A WARRINGTON primary school which was twice placed in “special measures” has improved significantly – and its new head teacher highly commended.
Education watchdog Ofsted has ruled that Stockton Heath Primary School no longer requires “special measures.”
The school’s overall effectiveness has now been graded as “requires improvement” – the equivalent of “satisfactory” under the old Ofsted framework.
Leadership and management and behaviour and safety of pupils have both been graded “good”.
Headteacher Dan Harding (pictured), who only joined the school in September, said: “We are pleased with this outcome and feel it is well-deserved.
“We believe it is a pivotal moment in the school’s recent history and is the first important step towards achieving our goal of making this school ‘outstanding’ in all areas.
“The incredible hard work and commitment of all the staff here and the unwavering support of our governing body and parents are key factors in our continuous development and therefore this recent judgement.”
It was originally in June 2008 that Ofsted inspectors stunned the school team by placing it in special measures.
Education chiefs appealed against the ruling – but Ofsted reaffirmed its decision in September the same year.
Former head Lynda Carnes left after a lengthy period of sick leave.
In June 2011, Ofsted ruled that the school should remain in special measures and in January last year, a further inspection revealed it was still making “inadequate progress”
A temporary acting head was brought in from another school.
Mr Harding, formerly acting head of Plantation Primary School, Halewood, Liverpool, was appointed last May and took up his post in September.
He is highly commended in Ofsted’s latest report.
Ofsted state: “He has made an excellent impact on school improvement. The very strong team of headteacher and deputy headteacher are providing an excellent lead in driving forward improvements. In particular, previous significant weaknesses in teaching and the leadership structure have been eliminated.”
Highlights also include pupil’s exemplary conduct and their positive attitudes to learning.
The report states: “Pupils feel safe. They are courteous and show respect for the adults who work with them.”
A new creative curriculum is highly commended as is the impact of local authority support.
More examples of “good and better teaching” were observed and it is noted that “previously outstanding teaching has been maintained”.
Cllr Colin Froggatt, executive member for children and young people’s services at Warrington Borough Council, said: “This is fantastic news for the school. Intense hard work led by the head teacher and governing body and dedication from staff and parents has made this a reality.”