School offers ‘good deal’ to pupils

Parents can be assured children at a Spalding primary school are now getting a “good deal” after it received its first “good” Ofsted grading.

The headteacher and governors at Spalding Parish Day School have welcomed the report by inspectors and said the school will now build on its solid foundations and continue on its journey to becoming outstanding.

Pupils’ good behaviour, effective leadership, improved teaching and support for children for whom English isn’t their first language have all been highlighted as strengths of the school.

Governors also provide effective support and challenge, according to the Ofsted inspectors.

Chairman of governors Melvyn Price said: “The whole governing body are absolutely delighted with the outcome of the recent Ofsted inspection.

“This is a tremendous achievement which is well deserved by headteacher Glyn Rushton and his team.

“The inspectors, doubtless, recognised the hard work and dedication of the whole staff and it is particularly gratifying to read comments such as ‘pupils behave well, are eager to learn and feel safe and well looked after’.”

Mr Price added that the school will not become complacent with its “good” rating, but will continue to strive for even more improvements in the future.

Mr Rushton said: “It has certainly been a journey since I arrived at the school in January 2009 and I am delighted that the commitment of all governors and staff to provide our children an appropriate education is now being recognised as good across all areas of the school’s work.”

The Ofsted report also said standards are rising rapidly at the school and well-planned provision means children in the early years settle quickly into school life and make good progress.

The teaching of reading is a strength throughout the school and disabled pupils and those with special educational needs make similarly good progress to their classmates, as do disadvantaged children.

Teachers also accurately assess how well pupils are learning and are carefully introducing a system to meet the requirements of the new national curriculum.

Mr Rushton added: “It is with both delight and professional pride that in the school’s history of Ofsted inspections, since the year 2000, this is the first time the school has achieved a grading of good.

“The most important people in our school are the children and we can now assure them they are getting a good deal and that they are right to be proud of their school.

“Together as a community we look forward to building on these firm foundations and continuing on our journey to achieve our aspirations of being an outstanding school for our community in the future.”