Pupils and staff at West and East Huntspill schools are celebrating this week after being graded ‘good’ by Ofsted inspectors.
Both the schools in the Huntspill Federation were graded ‘good’ in all five categories covering effectiveness of leadership and management; quality of teaching, learning and assessment; personal development, behaviour and welfare; outcomes for pupils; and early years provision.
A spokesman said: “The good report is the result of the dedication and constant hard work of the Head, James Peate, his team of teachers and classroom staff, not to mention the office managers, dinner ladies and governors, but especially the fantastic children supported by their parents. It has been a team effort ably led by James.”
“Governors, staff and pupils were all praised in the fantastic report for their broad and interesting curriculum. The ‘tenacious’ Headteacher, James Peate, was praised for his ‘resolute drive for improvement’. The inspectors said that ‘respect and kindness pervades the school’.”
At West Huntspill School, the Ofsted inspectors found that parents view their children as “happy, achieving, and well-cared-for by the school.” It also found the school provides “consistently good teaching” and enables pupils to make good progress.
The report also noted that teachers plan a broad curriculum which interests and motivates pupils and, as a result, pupils develop positive attitudes to learning and make good progress. Pupils value their education and are proud to be at the school, and the Autism Base provides high quality support for pupils. As a result, say the inspectors, they thrive and achieve well.
At East Huntspill, the report found the Headteacher, governors and staff have been successful in creating a purposeful learning environment, resulting in good teaching and better progress for pupils. The report says teaching is consistently good because teachers know their pupils well and plan work carefully to meet their differing needs.
It went on to say that the behaviour of pupils is good and the school is a happy, harmonious place, adding that the curriculum engages pupils’ interest and provides for effective learning. Outdoor learning, as well as experiences in music, drama and sport, have a very positive impact on pupils’ aspirations.
Both schools have small mixed classes and all the staff know the names of all children, their siblings and parents so it is a real community school. Both sites have an early years class for their younger brothers and sisters, state the reports.
A spokesman added: “Receiving a ‘Good’ judgement is one of which we should all (whether children, parents/carers, all staff and the leadership team) be proud; a valuable milestone in the continuing development towards the Huntspill Federation becoming an Outstanding school in the future.”
“There are also opportunities for those in the community to become involved as there are several vacancies on the Governing Body. You don’t need any specific skills just loads of enthusiasm, commitment and a general interest in education. Contact one of the school offices for further information.”
The reports are now available on either the Ofsted website or the schools’ new website at www.huntspillfederation.co.uk.
