A small energetic and caring school

Posted by The Journal on Jul 15, 11 03:07 PM in School news

Sent in by St Mary's RC First School

Ofsted inspectors, led by HMI Derek Neil, were very impressed by one of Hexham's first schools. They said about St Mary's First School: "This is a good school". They concluded it had made considerable progress since its last inspection and had many strengths.

Good, with many outstanding features, is the overall judgement the inspectors left behind. They quoted a typical parental comment: "The school has made huge improvements to creative teaching, communications and the building. I am very happy with the education and care my children receive."

Pupils make good progress and leave the school attaining levels that are above average. They do particularly well in reading and writing. Pupils' personal development is good. They hold positions of responsibility, making outstanding contributions to their local community, and enjoying school.

Inspectors were impressed by what happens in the classroom. Lessons give pupils opportunities to be active in class, and work is designed to make learning enjoyable. Lessons are well planned and teachers create a variety of activities designed to ensure that pupils enjoy and engage actively in their work.

The OFSTED report refers to one parent, typical of many, who wrote that her children had different needs, which have been met beyond my expectations.

The inspectors reserved their highest praise for communications with parents. These had been a concern in the past and are now outstanding. Parents were virtually unanimous in saying that they are well informed about their children's progress and that their suggestions and any concerns are taken seriously.

The youngest children in the Reception class, say the inspectors, enjoy the activities that are prepared for them, behave very well, and develop good levels of self-confidence.

Inspectors judge that the school has a good capacity to improve, and it will work further to ensure that all pupils are stretched at all times and to ensure that its own self-evaluation is accurate.

In summary the inspectors concluded that the good outcomes the school generates are largely due to the excellent care, guidance and support which the school provides as well as the good curriculum.

Governors and staff at St Mary's are delighted that the small but energetic and caring school is receiving the recognition they know it deserves for the achievements of its pupils who, the inspectors say, are prepared extremely well for the next stage in their education. For this, the governors wish to thank the staff of St Mary's, in particular, on behalf of the parent body.

Links to Hexham schools' Ofsted reports

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